Apparatus that enables non-penetrating sex

ABSTRACT

Apparatus that enables non-penetrating sex between two users. Embodiments may be integrated into or attached to clothing worn by the first user. A tubular element (including, but not limited to, a male or female condom) may be installed either permanently or detachably; attachments at both the open and closed ends of the tubular element ensure that it will not penetrate the first user. Users may therefore enjoy many of the benefits of sex, including intimacy and mutual stimulation, without the risks inherent in penetration. Attachment for the open end may use for example an element that attaches to a base ring or flange at the open end. Illustrative attachments for the closed end include a loop into which the closed end is cinched, a notch or hole into which a button in the closed end is inserted, and a mechanism into which the closed end is inserted, folded, and secured.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. Utility patent Ser. No.16/722,777, filed 20 Dec. 2019, which is a Continuation of U.S. Utilitypatent Ser. No. 16/040,284, filed 19 Jul. 2018, issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,512,563, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 62/534,509, filed 19 Jul. 2017, the specifications of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

One or more embodiments of the invention are related the followingfields of use: contraception, prophylaxis, and condoms; adultentertainment and novelty devices; undergarments; and garmentfastenings.

Description of the Related Art

Know sex devices such as sheaths and condoms or garments that includetubular elements generally provide for a protective barrier that is usedfor penetrative sex. There are many situations where penetration raisesthe prospect for various types of hazards, including physical,biological, interpersonal, emotional, developmental, ethanol, religious,and legal hazards.

For example, there exists latex panties that include a tubular elementthat may be inserted into an orifice in a user that is wearing thepanties. In this situation, the garment is acting as stationary condomwith respect to the user wearing the panties, e.g., such as a femalecondom works. This type of garment does not attach to the closed end ofthe tubular element and thus enables penetrative sex. U.S. Pat. No.5,687,741 for example in FIG. 3 shows the penetrative configuration.

U.S. Patent Application Publication 2017/0042726 discloses a device thatutilizes tubular elements, such as “fluid-impenetrable receiver 104”that are always on the outside of a garment. For example, the closed endof the tubular element is always on the outside of garment 102 forexample. This may prevent penetrative sex, but also requires a specialtubular element, i.e., not a cheap and replaceable condom, and also islocated on the outside of the garment. Based on the thickness of thegarment, the location of the tubular element on the outside of thegarment may not provide for heat from the wearer's body and may notprovide compressive benefits close to the wearer's skin for example.U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,429 attaches the closed end of the tubular elementto a pad and does not place the tubular element on an interior portionof a garment, here a pad, and hence does not minimize the distancebetween the users, does not enable heat to transfer between the usersand diminishes the observed compressive force between the two users,e.g., if there was no pad. In addition, the tubular elements in thesedevices are not condoms and thus cannot be cheaply or quickly replacedafter use.

For at least the limitations described above and to avoid the problemslisted above, there is a need for an apparatus that enablesnon-penetrating sex.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments described in the specification are related to anapparatus that enables non-penetrating sex.

Sexual activity is a fundamental to reproduction and life, an importantcomponent of interpersonal relationships, and a source of emotional andphysical pleasure, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Despite itsfundamental roles, benefits, and desirability, sexual activity raisesthe prospect for various types of hazards, including physical,biological, interpersonal, emotional, developmental, ethanol, religious,and legal hazards. The need to balance the risks and benefits of sexualactivity has inspired a long history of innovation related to theexpression of human sexuality. Innovations related to addressing thisarea of natural tension have focused on aspects ranging from health andsafety to clothing and wearable technology to pleasure enhancement.

One or more embodiments of the current invention represent anadvancement in these fields. They may provide new options for engagingin sexual activity and increasing the benefits of sexual activity withlower exposure to various inherent hazards.

One or more embodiments are directed to problems associated with birthcontrol and managing various hazards of sex and intercourse, includingbut not limited to physical, biological, interpersonal, emotional,developmental, ethical, religious, and/or legal hazards. In particular,one or more embodiments enable users to experience many of the benefitsof sex (including but not limited to closeness, intimacy, interpersonalconnection, and physical pleasure) without engaging in penetration ofthe vagina, anus, mouth, or other body parts.

The ability to enjoy the benefits of sex without engaging in penetratingsexual activity may be desirable for a variety of reasons, depending onthe situational context and particular circumstances of the partiesinvolved. For example, the parties may want to avoid engaging inpenetrating sexual activity because of a combination of theirrelationship status and ethical or religious beliefs. Alternatively, oneor more of the parties may have a physical or medical condition thatmakes penetrating sexual activity undesirable. Alternatively,penetrating sexual activity may be beyond the scope of activities agreedby the parties or allowed by law, which may be particularly relevant inthe context of adult entertainment, for example.

One or more embodiments provide a way to engage in non-penetratingsexual activity. One or more embodiments may comprise a device orcombination of devices that may be worn by a first user, and thatcomprises a tubular, sheath-like, or sleeve-like element or deviceconfigured to enable the insertion of the penis of a second user. Thedevice(s) may be, but need not necessarily be, configured such that thefirst user's genitals may be externally stimulated by the insertion andmovement of the second user's penis into the tubular element.

In some embodiments, the stimulation of both users may be enhanced byconfiguring the tubular element to be positioned such that the length ofthe tubular element rests between the first user's body and the balanceof the device or a garment, for example, and by further configuring thetubular element to be constructed from a relatively thin material—e.g.,similar in thickness to a conventional condom. Such configurations canbe structured so that the balance of the device or the garment provide acompressive force against both the tubular element and the first user'sbody. This compression may benefit both users by enhancing thestimulation of their respective body parts and by enhancing thetransmission of sensations between their body parts. The externalcompressive force on the tubular element—created by the balance of thedevice or garment and the first user's body—may also reduce the need forthe tubular element to generate a compressive force of its own on thesecond user's member. The ability for such configurations to relax thisrequirement enables the tubular element to be constructed from arelatively thin material, similar to the thickness of a condom. The useof such a thin material both further enhances the transmission ofsensations between the users and enables the device to have a physicalprofile and weight similar to ordinary clothing, providing a substantialimprovement on prior technologies. Such benefits may be provided wherethe device has multiple layers of material, with layers away from thefirst user providing compressive force against the tubular element andthe first user's body, and with layers between the tubular element andthe first user's body acting like a liner that provides additionalbarriers between the user's body parts.

The device(s) may be further configured such that insertion of the penisand movement of the user's bodies mimic in many respects the bodypositions and movements associated with penetrating sexual activity. Asa result, a first user may enjoy the various benefits of sexualactivity, including in some cases external stimulation of their genitalsby the insertion of a second user's penis into the tubular element,without any part of their body being penetrated by the second user'spenis. Meanwhile, the second user may enjoy the various benefits ofsexual activity, including physical stimulation of their penis similarto what may result from penetrating sexual activity, without insertingtheir penis into any part of the first user's body.

One or more embodiments may include one or more devices that may be wornby, connected to or at least partially controlled by a first user andthat have at least one integrated tubular element into which a seconduser's penis may be inserted and that is at least partially controlledby the first user. Multiple types of elements and mechanisms can beimplemented within the scope of the invention to enable the device(s) tobe worn by, connected to, or otherwise at least partially controlled bya first user. For example, the device(s) or one or more elements of thedevice(s) may be constructed from materials that enable sanitarycleaning between uses and therefore constitute multi-use device(s).Alternatively, the device(s) may be constructed from disposablematerials and constitute single use device(s). Separately, the device(s)may be configured to be independently wearable (e.g., configured toresemble underwear or another garment) or may rely on one or moreconnections or attachments to another garment or device that is worn byor controlled by a first user.

One or more embodiments may include one or more devices that may be wornby, connected to, or at least partially controlled by a first user thatenables temporary attachment of a detachable device with a tubularelement into which a second user's penis may be inserted and that is atleast partially controlled by a first user. The detachable device with atubular element may comprise a conventional device, including but notlimited to a condom or a male masturbation aid, for example. In suchcases, these embodiments may comprise any or all of: (i) the device(s)that may be worn by, connected to, or at least partially controlled bythe first user and that enable temporary attachment of the device with atubular element; (ii) the enabling mechanisms of these devices; and(iii) the system of devices resulting from the combination of the two ormore devices.

Alternatively, in one or more embodiments the detachable device with atubular element may also comprise a novel device with a tubular elementand with elements specifically configured to enable temporary attachmentto the device(s) that may be worn, connected to, or at least partiallycontrolled by the first user. One or more embodiments may also includeat least the novel tubular device with elements configured to enable itstemporary attachment to one or more devices that may be worn by,connected to, or at least temporary controlled by a first user.

One or more embodiments may include any or all of (i) one or moremechanisms to attach to a first user to connect to the garments of afirst user, or to otherwise enable at least partial control of positionor movement by a first user or by another device and (ii) a tubularelement, sleeve, or sheath that is open on at least one end and isconfigured to enable the insertion of a second user's penis withoutpenetrating any body part of the first user. Some embodiments may bepositioned and configured to enable the vagina, clitoris or other partsof the first user to be physically stimulated by the second user's penispenetration of the tubular element or by another element or mechanism.In one or more embodiments, the device may comprise any or all of adevice, a system of devices, or novel components that may be used incombination with other devices.

One of more embodiments may comprise a novel tubular element similar incertain respects to conventional male or female type condoms andconfigured to enable releasable attachment or coupling of the open andclosed ends to a device worn by a first user to enable non-penetratingsex; the tubular element comprising a functional length of eight (8)inches or more, similar to a conventional male condom; a materialthickness and material strength similar to that of a conventional femalecondom; an open end with a relatively wide base ring of a rigidity anddiameter similar to a conventional female condom, enabling simplifiedcoupling of the open end to a device or garment through the use of anopening in a surface of the device or garment that is relatively narrowin at least one direction; the closed end of the tubular element beingreleasably coupled to the garment or device using one or more attachmentmechanisms, including but not limited to one or more mechanismsutilizing a relatively small size insert element.

One or more embodiments may comprise a device that (i) has elementsenabling it to be worn by a first user, connected to the garments of afirst user, or otherwise enabling at least partial control of thedevice's position and/or movement by a first user and (ii) has atubular, sheath-like, or sleeve-like element sized and/or otherwiseconfigured to enable insertion of the penis of a second user without thesecond user's penis penetrating the vagina, anus, or other body parts ofthe first user.

One or more embodiments may comprise a device that enables a first userto be directly or indirectly connected to or to otherwise control theposition and/or movement of a separate device that comprises a tubular,sheath-like, or sleeve-like element into which the penis of a seconduser may be inserted. Such separate devices with tubular elements mayfor example enable a first user to be connected to or to otherwise exertat least partial control include but are not limited to condoms and malemasturbation aids. One or more embodiments may be or may include adevice or garment that is directly worn by the first user. One or moreembodiments may be or may include a device that may be temporarilyconnected to a garment that is worn by the first user. One or moreembodiments may be or may include a device that is permanently installedin garments worn by a first user. In one or more embodiments, all or aportion of the embodiment may be controlled by the first user's hands orby a combination of the first user's hands and other body parts,garments, or devices.

One or more embodiments may comprise a device that may be worn by orattached to a first user that has a tubular, sheath-like, or sleeve-likeelement configured to enable a second user to have non-penetratingsexual activity with the first user and/or to simulate having sex withthe first user. The device may enable such non-penetrating sexualactivity without requiring the first user to directly touch the seconduser's penis or, in some embodiments and applications, the tubularelement.

One or more embodiments may comprise a device having one or moreelements enabling a first user to at least partially control theposition and/or movement of a tubular, sheath-like, or sleeve-likeelement configured such that a second user's penis may be inserted intoit without enabling the second user's penis to penetrate any part of thefirst user's body. In one or more embodiments the first user maytherefore be a “controlling user” who may fully or partially controlmovement. In one or more embodiments this “controlling user” may also bea “receiving user” who may for example wear a device that is used innon-penetrating sex. In one or more embodiments this “controlling user”may not wear any device, but may fully or partially control movement ofa device into which the second user's penis may be inserted.

One or more embodiments may include an apparatus that enablesnon-penetrating sex between a first user and a second user. Theapparatus may have two elements that couple with a tubular element,where the first element has an opening that couples with the open end ofthe tubular element, and the second element couples with the closed endof the tubular element. The coupling at either end may be fixed orreleasable. The second element may couple to an external portion of thefirst user's body, either directly or indirectly. The closed end of thetubular element may be located on an inner portion of a garment that isin contact with the first user. When coupled to the two elements, theopen and closed ends of the tubular element may be immobilized relativeto the first user when the second user moves a member in and out of thetubular element during non-penetrating sex. The apparatus may thereforeensure that the tubular element remains outside of all orifices of thefirst user, so that the sex is non-penetrating.

One or more embodiments may include a garment that is coupled directlyor indirectly to the first user. The garment may have an interiorsurface facing the first user, and an exterior surface facing away fromthe first user. The exterior surface may have a hole, with the openingin the first element collocated with the hole at least on the exteriorsurface.

In one or more embodiments the tubular element may be or may include acondom, and the first and second elements may couple releasably with thecondom. In one or more embodiments that couple with a condom, the closedend of the condom when coupled may be on the inside, within, or on theoutside of a garment that is in contact with the first user. One or moreembodiments that couple with a condom may immobilize the open and closedends of the condom relative to the first user when the second user movesa member in and out of the condom during non-penetrating sex. Theapparatus may therefore ensure that the condom remains outside of allorifices of the first user, so that the sex is non-penetrating.

One or more embodiments that couple with a condom may include a garmentthat is coupled directly or indirectly to the first user. The garmentmay have an interior surface facing the first user, and an exteriorsurface facing away from the first user. The exterior surface may have ahole, with the opening in the first element collocated with the hole atleast on the exterior surface.

One or more embodiments may couple with a male condom, with a femalecondom, or with either. In one or more embodiments that couple with amale condom, the condom may be inside-out to expose inner lubrication,so that the second user can readily move in and out of the condom whenit is attached at the open and closed ends.

In one or more embodiments the first element may include an annularramp, for example around the opening. The ramp may for example improvecomfort and fit. The ramp may for example be flexible and may forexample contain an elastomeric material.

In one or more embodiments the first element may have a flange thatcouples with the open end of a condom. The flange may be a segmentedflange.

In one or more embodiments the first element may have a flange and aring. The ring and flange may couple to the open end of the condom, forexample via elastic force on the condom when it is placed between thering and the flange.

In one or more embodiments the first element may have an opening that issmaller than the open end of the condom.

In one or more embodiments the first element may have hooks. The hooksmay for example secure the base ring of a condom that is stretchedaround the hooks.

In one or more embodiments the condom may be coupled to the secondelement at the closed end by placing a small object inside the condom,and securing this item at the closed end with a coupling mechanism. Thecoupling mechanism may be for example a notch that is smaller than thesmall object, or a button hole through which the small object fits.

In one or more embodiments the condom may be coupled to the secondelement at the closed end using a loop, with the closed end secured bycinching the condom with the loop.

In one or more embodiments the condom may be coupled to the secondelement at the closed end with a roller.

In one or more embodiments the coupling element of the second elementmay have a surface that folds in two dimensions, a loop across one sideof the surface, and an attachment mechanism to secure a left portion ofthe surface to a right portion of the surface.

In one or more embodiments the condom may have a line (such as a stringfor example) that extends from the closed end. The second element maycouple to the closed end by attaching to the line.

In one or more embodiments the first element may couple to a waistbandusing connection elements that extend from the first element to thewaistband. The second element may couple to the waistband on or neareither the front portion or rear portion of the waistband.

In one or more embodiments the first element may couple to a garment ina front and rear portion of the first user, with material that mayextend from the first element to at least one leg of the first user. Thesecond element may couple to the first user at a location distal to thefirst element.

In one or more embodiments the first element may be located on an outerportion of a garment, and the second element may be located on an innerportion of the garment.

In one or more embodiments the first element may have a ring with agroove, where the ring surrounds the opening. The condom may be coupledby placing the condom's base ring into the groove.

In one or more embodiments the first element may have a ring withmultiple beads connected by elastic. The ring may expand to fitdifferent sizes of condoms or members of the second user.

In one or more embodiments the condom may have one or both of a basering and a flange at the open end of the condom. The opening of thefirst element may have a smaller diameter than the base ring or flange.This may for example block the open end of the condom from going throughthe opening of the first element.

One or more embodiments may include a garment that is coupled directlyor indirectly to the first user. The garment may have an interiorsurface facing the first user, and an exterior surface facing away fromthe first user. The exterior surface may have a hole. The first elementand second element may couple releasably to a condom at the open andclosed ends of the condom, respectively; both elements may coupledirectly or indirectly to the garment. When coupled to the secondelement, the closed end of the condom may be located on an innerportion, within, or on an outer portion of the garment. The firstelement may have a ring surrounding the hole, with a groove in the ringinto which the base ring of the condom fits to couple the condom at theopen end. The second element, which couples releasably to the closed endof the condom, may use various attachment mechanisms. These mechanismsmay include for example: (i) a notch into which a small object placed atthe closed of the condom fits, which holds the closed end since thenotch is smaller than the small object; (ii) a button hole through whicha small object placed at the closed of the condom fits; (iii) a loopthat holds the closed end of a condom when the loop is cinched aroundthe condom, and (iv) a surface that folds in two dimension, with a loopinto which the closed end of the condom fits, and with a mechanism tohold a left portion and right portion of the surface together. The firstand second elements may immobilize the open and closed ends of thecondom relative to the first user when the second user moves a member inand out of the condom during non-penetrating sex. The apparatus maytherefore ensure that the condom remains outside of all orifices of thefirst user, so that the sex is non-penetrating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the inventionwill be more apparent from the following more particular descriptionthereof, presented in conjunction with the following drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front view of embodiment of a device enabling“safe sex” with or without penetration and featuring “full coverage” ofa first user. FIG. 1B shows a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A, andFIG. 1C shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a multi-use deviceaffixed to or installed into garment enabling temporary attachment ofsingle-use or multi-use sheath. FIG. 2B shows a top view of theembodiment of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 2C shows a side view of the embodimentof FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a ring-typemechanism for temporary attachment of the open end of single ormulti-use sheath, such as a conventional male or female condom. FIG. 3Bshows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C shows a sideview of the embodiment of FIG. 3A with a single-use sheath inserted.

FIG. 3D shows an embodiment of a beaded ring-type mechanism fortemporary attachment of the open end of single or multi-use sheath,which may comprise for example a conventional male or female condom.FIG. 3E shows a detailed view of a bead in the embodiment of FIG. 3D,and FIG. 3F shows a side view of the bead of FIG. 3E.

FIG. 3G shows another embodiment of a beaded ring-type mechanism fortemporary attachment of the open end of single or multi-use sheath, witha different bead configuration. FIG. 3H shows a detailed view of a beadin the embodiment of FIG. 3G, and FIG. 3I shows a side view of the beadof FIG. 3H.

FIG. 3J shows an illustrative embodiment of a partial ring or hook-typeattachment mechanism for temporary attachment of an open end of a singleor multi-use sheath to a garment or control device. FIG. 3K shows anillustrative embodiment with three hooks located around the opening in agarment or device to secure the base ring of a condom or other tubularelement.

FIG. 4A shows an illustrative embodiment of a loop-&-fold type mechanismfor temporary attachment of the closed end of single-use or multi-usesheath. FIGS. 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E show illustrative steps in inserting acondom into the mechanism and folding it to secure it. FIG. 4F shows anillustrative embodiment of a loop-&-fold type mechanism with the closedend of a condom temporarily attached to a waistband of a device or of agarment worn by a first user.

FIGS. 4G through 4K illustrate an embodiment with an insert-typemechanism, illustrated with a button-type insert and button-hole-typeattachment mechanism, for temporary attachment of the closed end of asingle or multi-use sheath to a garment or other device. FIG. 4G shows atop view of an illustrative button-type insert. FIG. 4H shows a sideview of the button of FIG. 4G. FIG. 4I illustrates the button of FIG. 4Ginserted into the closed end of a sheath, illustrated as a condom. FIG.4J shows an illustrative embodiment of a button-hole type attachmentmechanism. FIG. 4K shows a detailed side view of the closed end of asheath, illustrated as a condom, temporarily attached to a garment ordevice using a button-type insert and a button-hole-type attachmentmechanism.

FIG. 4L through 4O illustrate an embodiment with an insert-typemechanism, illustrated with a button-type insert and notch-typeattachment mechanisms, for temporary attachment of the closed end of asingle or multi-use sheath to a garment or other device. FIG. 4L showsan illustrative notch-type mechanism. FIG. 4M shows an illustrativenotch-type insert attachment mechanism manufactured in wire, and FIG. 4Nshows the notch-type mechanism of FIG. 4M with a button-type insert.FIG. 4O shows a side view of an illustrative embodiment with anotch-type attachment mechanism and button-type insert, with the closedend of a sheath inserted and attached.

FIGS. 4P through 4T show an illustrative embodiment of a tapered insertattachment mechanism. FIG. 4P shows a tapered element from one sideperspective illustrating that the element has narrower and widerportions. FIG. 4Q illustrates another side of the tapered element thatfeatures an optional opening into an interior portion of the taperedelement that extends from the narrower portion to the wider portion.FIG. 4Q also illustrates an area of attachment for coupling the taperedelement to a garment or device. FIG. 4R illustrates the tapered elementfrom a perspective looking down the length of the tapered element fromthe wider portion toward the narrower portion. FIG. 4S illustrates thesame perspective as is illustrated in 4R, but with an insert elementinserted into a closed end of a condom and positioned within the taperedelement. FIG. 4T similarly illustrates the tapered element with aninsert element inserted into the closed end of a condom and positionedwithin the tapered element, but from the side perspective illustrated inFIG. 4Q.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment with a sheath-like or tubular devicewith elements enabling temporary attachment to attachment mechanismsaffixed to a garment or device. FIG. 5B shows an illustrative attachmentmechanism that may be used to attach the sheath of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A shows a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a single-usedevice, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device or garment withattached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with or withoutpenetration, featuring “limited coverage” of the first user. FIG. 6Bshows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A with the sheath interiorto the device or garment, and FIG. 6C shows a side view of theembodiment of FIG. 6A with the sheath exterior to the device or garment.

FIG. 7A shows a top view of another illustrative embodiment of asingle-use device, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device orgarment with attached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with orwithout penetration, featuring “limited coverage” of the first user.FIG. 7B shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A with the sheathinterior to the device or garment.

FIG. 7C shows a top view of an illustrative embodiment of a single-usedevice, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device or garment withattached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with or withoutpenetration, featuring control lines that attach the single-use sheathto the waistband. FIG. 7D shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7Cwith the sheath interior to the device or garment.

FIG. 7E shows a top view of another illustrative embodiment of asingle-use device, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device orgarment with attached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with orwithout penetration, featuring control lines that attach the single-usesheath to the waistband using clips. FIG. 7F shows a side view of theembodiment of FIG. 7E with the sheath interior to the device or garment.

FIG. 7G shows a top view of another illustrative embodiment of asingle-use device, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device orgarment with attached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with orwithout penetration, featuring control lines attached to a waistbandthat temporarily attach to loops on a flange of the open end of thetubular element. FIG. 7H shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 7Gwith the sheath interior to the device or garment.

FIGS. 7I and 7J show top views of another illustrative embodiment of asingle-use device, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device orgarment with attached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with orwithout penetration, featuring control lines that attach to a waistbandand that temporarily attach to loops on a flange of the open end of thetubular element. FIG. 7I shows the embodiment with a tubular elementattached, and FIG. 7J shows the embodiment without a tubular elementattached.

FIG. 7K shows a top view of another illustrative embodiment of asingle-use device, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device orgarment with attached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with orwithout penetration, featuring control lines attached to a waistband andan opening that secures the base of a condom because it has a smallerdiameter than the base ring of the condom. FIG. 7K shows the embodimentwith a tubular element attached. FIG. 7L shows a side view of theembodiment with a tubular element attached.

FIG. 7M shows a top view of another illustrative embodiment of asingle-use device, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device orgarment with attached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with orwithout penetration, featuring top control lines that wrap around a beltor waistband, and a notch-type mechanism to secure the closed end of thesheath. FIG. 7M shows the embodiment with a tubular element attached.FIG. 7N shows a side view of the embodiment with a tubular elementattached.

FIG. 7O shows a top view of another illustrative embodiment of asingle-use device, multi-use device or garment, or multi-use device orgarment with attached single-use sheath that enables “safe sex” with orwithout penetration, featuring a flange-type element at the opening ofthe tubular element with attachment points for control lines and aseparate control line that extends from the other end of the tubularelement. FIG. 7O shows the embodiment with a tubular element attached.FIG. 7P shows a side view of the embodiment with a tubular elementattached.

FIG. 7Q shows an illustrative embodiment of a multi-use garment withintegrated control line attachment mechanisms (illustrated as buttons)and an opening to allow the tubular portion of a single or multi usesheath element to pass into the interior of the garment while the baseportion of the sheath element remains on the exterior of the garment.

FIG. 7R shows a front view of an illustrative embodiment of a multi-usegarment configured to accept a single-use sheath that can be temporarilyaffixed onto or installed into the garment. FIG. 7S shows a top view ofthe embodiment of FIG. 7R, and FIG. 7T shows a side view of theembodiment of FIG. 7R.

FIG. 8A shows an illustrative embodiment of a device enabling a sheathto be attached to or otherwise partially controlled by a first user.FIG. 8B shows the device of FIG. 8A temporarily attached to a tubularelement or device.

FIG. 9A shows an illustrative embodiment of a device enabling a sheathto be attached to or otherwise partially controlled by a first userwhile the penis of a second user is inserted into the sheath. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 9A, the control element is permanently affixedto the tubular element. FIG. 9B shows a variation of FIG. 9A with thecontrol element temporarily affixed to the tubular element using elasticstraps.

FIG. 9C shows an illustrative embodiment of a two-layer sheath with apartial sheath stiffener and a control rod or control straps, where theexternal layer may completely or only partially surround the internaltubular element. FIG. 9D shows a different embodiment of a controlelement that may be used with the embodiment of FIG. 9C.

FIG. 9E shows another illustrative embodiment of a two-layer sheath witha partial sheath stiffener and a control rod or control straps, wherethe external layer does not surround the internal tubular element.

FIG. 10A shows an illustrative embodiment of a ribbon or string-basedattachment mechanism for the closed end of a condom. FIGS. 10B, 10C,10D, 10E, and 10F show illustrative steps in inserting and attaching acondom to the device of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus that enables non-penetrating sex will now be described. Inthe following exemplary description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of embodimentsof the invention. It will be apparent, however, to an artisan ofordinary skill that the present invention may be practiced withoutincorporating all aspects of the specific details described herein. Inother instances, specific features, quantities, or measurements wellknown to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described indetail so as not to obscure the invention. Readers should note thatalthough examples of the invention are set forth herein, the claims, andthe full scope of any equivalents, are what define the metes and boundsof the invention.

FIGS. 1A through 1C show an illustrative embodiment of a device thatenables “safe sex” between a first user and a second user with or withpenetration of the first user. FIG. 1A shows a front view, FIG. 1B showsa top view, and FIG. 1C shows a side view. The embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1A through 1C includes elements 101 enabling the device to be wornby a first user. (In some embodiments the first user may not wear adevice and may for example control movement of a device attached to thesecond user.) In this example these elements are designed to resembleunderwear or another similar garment, with openings 105 for the waistand 106 a and 106 b for the legs of a first user. In one or moreembodiments, elements of the embodiment may be integrated into orattached to any garment. The term “garment” as used in thisspecification includes any item that may be worn by a user; a “garment”may include for example, without limitation, any conventional clothingor modification thereto, underwear, lingerie, a corset, pants, a dress,a skirt, a shirt, a jumpsuit, a waistband, a G-string, a belt, a panelthat is worn by a user or attaches to a user or is inserted into anothergarment worn by the user, a string or strap or cord or ribbon that maybe tied to the user or to another garment worn by the user, jewelry, andaccessories. These elements may be constructed for example of anon-porous material, a porous material, a cloth, or a combination ofmaterials. In one or more embodiments the material may be thin and/ordegradable in quality over time, lending the device to be disposable.Certain types of natural or synthetic rubber (e.g., latex or nitrile)may lend themselves to such application, for example. Alternatively, thematerial may be robust enough to enable effective sanitization andre-use.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C includes a tubular,sheath-like, or sleeve-like element 102 that is configured with anopening 103 on at least one end that enables insertion of a seconduser's penis into the tubular element. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, anopening 103 at one end of the tubular element 102 may open to theexterior of the device, exterior being the surface of the device facingaway from the first user's body, and may for example be positionedbetween the first user's legs. A benefit of this type of configurationis that the insertion of a second user's penis and the movements of thetwo users may reflect body positions and motions that are broadlysimilar to those of common practice in penetrating coitus. A secondbenefit of this type of configuration is to enable insertion of thesecond user's penis and movement of the users to stimulate the exteriorof the genitals and/or anus of the first user without penetration of thevagina or anus by the second user's penis.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the tubular element 102 may extend from theopening 103 positioned between the first user's legs upward to theportion of the device positioned near the first user's waist. FIGS. 1Athrough 1C illustrate a single tubular element 102 positioned in thisway at the front side of the device. In one or more alternateembodiments, the device may be configured with a single tubular elementpositioned to extend from an opening between the first user's legs to aportion of the device near the first user's waist at the back side ofthe device. In one or more alternate embodiments, the device may beconfigured with multiple tubular elements, for example with one or moreopenings positioned between the first user's legs and one tubularelement extending up the front side of the device and one tubularelement extending up the back side of the device. These and otherconceivable embodiments are within the scope of the invention.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C the tubular element102 is positioned between the body of the first user and material of thedevice that enables the device to be worn by a first user—the materialconfigured to resemble underwear in the illustrated example. In thisconfiguration the tubular element may be largely concealed by theportion of the device resembling underwear. An additional benefit ofthis configuration is that elastic tension between the first user's bodyand the portion of the device resembling underwear may provide anexternal source of compressive force on the tubular element. Such anexternal compressive force may enable compression-based stimulation of asecond user's inserted penis that is greater than would be achieved withan independent tubular element of similar construction. This providesflexibility in the construction of the tubular element of the device,enabling, for example, use of materials that may not independentlyprovide strong compressive stimulation of the inserted penis.

FIGS. 1A through 1C illustrate an attachment mechanism 104 connectingthe upper end of tubular element 102—i.e., the end of the tubularelement away from the opening into which a second user's penis may beinserted—near the waistband of the device 101. Such attachment mayenable external stimulation of a first user's genitals or anus andstimulation of a second user's inserted penis without enablingpenetration of the first user's genitals or anus by the second user'spenis. Devices that lack an attachment of this end of the tubularelement generally do not prevent penetration of the first user's body.The attachment mechanism may comprise for example a clip, strap, orother releasable mechanism, allowing the potential for release of thetubular element 102. Such a releasable attachment mechanism may, forexample provide users with the option of either penetrating ornon-penetrating sexual activity. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism104 may comprise a permanent fixture of the device. For example, if thedevice is constructed as a single, molded piece of rubber, the upper endof the tubular element 102 may be molded onto the surface of the devicepositioned near the waist of the first user. This would preventdetachment of the tubular element without tearing or otherwise breakingthe device. FIGS. 1A through 1C illustrate the attachment mechanism 104with a single point of attachment at the waistband; however, in one ormore embodiments the attachment mechanism may comprise one or morepoints of attachment along the tubular element 102 or may comprise acontinuous attachment that extends the full length of the tubularelement 102.

As described here, FIGS. 1A through 1C may alternatively representconfigurations of the device with (i) a permanently attached tubularelement, (ii) a detachable single or multi-use device with attachmentmechanisms specifically designed for this purpose, or (iii) a detachabletubular element comprising either a conventional male condom or aconventional female condom.

FIGS. 2A through 2C show an illustrative embodiment of the inventionthat comprises one or more attachment elements that enable temporaryattachment of a detachable tubular, sheath-like, or sleeve-like device202 to a device or garment 201 worn by a first user. FIG. 2A shows afront view, FIG. 2B shows a top view, and FIG. 2C shows a side view. Theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C is distinguished from theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C in that the tubularelement 202 is specifically detachable from the portion of the device201 designed to resemble underwear or from a garment 201 onto which theattachment mechanisms are affixed.

Examples of a separately provided tubular element 202 that may be usedin one or more embodiments include conventional condoms—of male orfemale types—and novel tubular elements that incorporate elementsdesigned to enable their temporary attachment to the attachmentelements. In embodiments where the tubular element comprises aconventional condom, the embodiments of the invention may comprise anyor all of: the device(s) and/or elements enabling attachment of thecondom; and the resulting system of devices that includes the condom andthe devices and/or elements enabling its attachment. In embodimentswhere the tubular element comprises a novel device with elementsspecifically enabling temporary attachment to the attachment elementsthe invention may comprise any or all of: the device(s) and/or elementsenabling attachment; the novel tubular element with elements enablingattachment; and the system of devices that include the device(s) and orelements enabling attachment and the novel tubular element with elementsenabling attachment.

The terms “male condom” or “male-type” in reference to a conventionalcondom means a condom that is configured to be positioned on a malemember and to have a stationary position with respect to the male memberduring sexual activity. The term male member may refer to a penis orother type of body part that is typically inserted into or otherwisepenetrates a portion of a receiving person's body during penetrativesex. Male condoms are generally held in place on the male member by acombination of elastic compression around the circumference of the malemember and friction against that member created by the elasticcompression. The compressive force and friction are generally increasedby the presence of a base ring, or thickened portion of the condommaterial, around the opening of the male condom. The dimensions of malecondoms vary substantially; however, a typical male condom may measureeight (8) inches in length and one-and-a-half (1.5) inches in diameterat the base ring.

The measurements of male condoms have significant implications for theconfiguration and relative positioning of attachment mechanismsillustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C and referenced elsewhere herein wherethe device is configured for use with a conventional male condom. Forexample, in order to avoid excess movement in the tubular element 202with respect to the first user's body, where the device is configuredfor use with a male-type condom, the distance between an attachmentmechanism of a closed end of a condom 204 may be positionedapproximately 8 inches away from the furthest portion of an attachmentmechanism of an open end of a condom 207. This length may be shortenedto account for any lengths of the tubular element that are taken up bythe attachment mechanism to provide secure attachment of the open andclosed ends of the condom. For example, if the attachment mechanisms forthe open and closed ends of the condom reduce the effective length ofthe condom by one quarter (0.25) inches combined, then the distancebetween these two mechanisms may be reduced from 8 inches toseven-and-three-quarters (7.75) inches. Attachment mechanisms thatminimize the length of the condom that is required to be used inproviding secure attachment of the open or closed ends of the condom maytherefore provide more usable length for the condom when attached.

The distance between the elements specified here is illustrative, as thedimensions of male condoms can vary and because the elastic nature ofmale condoms allows for some variance in the relative positions ofattachment mechanisms without compromising the functionality of thedevice. The preferred distance between the attachment mechanisms mayalso be affected by consideration of the expected curvature of thematerial and/or the curvature of the external surface of the firstuser's body between the two attachment mechanisms and by potentialimpacts on the comfort of the users. Increasing the distance will tendto increase the tension across the length of the condom, which mayincrease compression of a male member inserted within the condom and mayincrease the pressure and concentration of pressure of the condomagainst the first user's body. Given the sensitivity typical of affectedportions of the first user's body, there may be tradeoffs with respectto this pressure in defining the optimal spacing between the attachmentmechanisms. As a result of these various factors, the distance betweenthe positions of the attachment mechanisms 204 and 207 in one or moreembodiments configured for use with a conventional male condom may rangebetween six (6) inches and nine (9) inches, for example.

The terms “female condom” and “female type” in reference to a condommeans a condom that is configured to be positioned inside the vagina,anus, or other body cavity of a first user and to have a stationaryposition relative to the first user's body during sexual activity. Theclosed end of a female condom is typically positioned inside the firstuser's body cavity and held in position using a ring that is insertedinto the closed end of the tubular element and that is configured to putoutward pressure on the interior walls of the body cavity. To ensurethat the outward pressure created by the ring insert is sufficient tosecure the closed end of the female condom inside the body cavity, thering insert of a conventional female condom is typically greater than orequal to two (2) inches in diameter. The open end of a female condom istypically positioned on the outside of a first user's body orifice thatopens into the body cavity in which the condom is positioned. Femalecondoms generally incorporate a base ring at the open end of the tubularelement that is both sufficiently wide and sufficiently rigid to preventthe open end of the condom from being pulled inside the body orifice ofthe first user during sexual activity. In order to accomplish this, thebase ring on a female condom is typically greater than two-and-a-half(2.5) inches in diameter. Tension between the base ring secured againstthe outside of the first user's body orifice to the body cavity at theopen end of the condom and the ring insert secured against the interiorsurface of the body cavity at the closed end of the condom end isgenerally sufficient to hold the female condom in a stationary positionwith respect to the first user's body during sexual activity. The lengthof conventional female condoms—from the closed end to the open end—canvary, but a typical or representative length may be seven (7) incheswhen the ring insert is not inserted into the condom. Positioning thering insert into the closed end of the female condom can substantiallyreduce the operable length of the tubular element from 7 inches down tofive-and-a-half inches, for example. In practice, the operable lengthmay be further reduced by the portion of the tubular element thatremains outside the first user's body orifice and spans the distanceacross the external surface of the first user's body between the openingof the body orifice and the base ring on the female condom.

The measurements and configuration of conventional female condoms mayaffect the configuration and relative positioning of attachmentmechanisms illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C and referenced elsewhereherein where the device is configured for use with conventional femalecondoms. For example, in order to avoid excess movement in the tubularelement 202 with respect to the first user's body, where the device isconfigured for use with a female-type condom, the distance between anattachment mechanism of a closed end of a condom 204 may be positionedapproximately 7 inches away from the furthest portion of an attachmentmechanism of an open end of a condom 207. This length may be shortenedto account for any lengths of the tubular element that are taken up bythe attachment mechanisms used to provide secure attachment of the openand closed ends of the condom. For example, if the attachment mechanismsfor the open and closed ends of the condom reduce the effective lengthof the condom by 0.25 inches combined, then the distance between thesetwo mechanisms may be reduced from 7 inches to six-and-three-quarters(6.75) inches. Attachment mechanisms that minimize the length of afemale condom that is required to be used in providing secure attachmentof the open or closed ends of the condom may therefore provide moreusable length for the condom when attached.

As with the discussion of the distances between attachment mechanisms inconfigurations intended for use with male condom type tubular elements,the distance between the elements specified here is illustrative, as thedimensions of female condoms can vary and because, while the elasticityof female condoms may be less than that of male condoms, theirelasticity does allow for some variance in the relative positions ofattachment mechanisms without compromising the functionality of thedevice. The distance between the attachment mechanisms may also beaffected by consideration of the expected curvature of the materialand/or or the curvature of the external surface of the first user's bodybetween the two attachment mechanisms and by potential impacts on thecomfort of the users. Increasing the distance will tend to increase thetension across the length of the condom, which may increase compressionof a male member inserted within the condom and may increase thepressure and concentration of pressure of the condom against the firstuser's body. Given the sensitivity typical of affected portions of thefirst user's body, there may be tradeoffs with respect to this pressurein defining the optimal spacing between the attachment mechanisms. As aresult of these various factors, the distance between the positions ofthe attachment mechanisms 204 and 207 in one or more embodimentsconfigured for use with a conventional female condom may range betweenfour (4) inches and eight (8) inches, for example.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C, elements enabling temporaryattachment of a separately provided tubular device 202 may include amechanism 207 enabling attachment of an open end of the tubular device202. In this example, the separately-provided tubular device 202 may bea conventional condom and the attachment mechanism 207 at the open endof the condom may be a ring-type attachment mechanism, an illustrativeembodiment of which is described below with respect to FIGS. 3A through3C.

The elements enabling temporary attachment may also include a mechanism204 enabling temporary attachment of a closed end of the tubular device202. Such mechanisms may include one or more straps, clips, loops, orother mechanisms to attach the closed end of the condom or areas atvarious points along the tubular device to the device or a garment 201.In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C the attachmentmechanism 204 for the closed end of the condom may be for example aloop-and-fold type mechanism, an illustrative embodiment of which isdescribed below with respect to FIGS. 4A through 4F. As noted above,such attachment mechanism(s) can substantially prevent or otherwiselimit the ability of a penis or member of the second user that isinserted into the tubular element from penetrating the vagina, anus, orother body part of the first user.

In one or more embodiments, other types of attachment mechanisms may beused for the open end or the closed end of a tubular device. Examplesmay include for example, but are not limited to, sleeves, pouches,button holes, slots, notches, hooks or straps that may be sewn into agarment.

In one or more embodiments, the elements enabling temporary attachmentof a detachable or separately provided tubular device, illustrated inFIGS. 2A through 2C as a conventional condom, may be either temporarilyor permanently affixed to: a single-use device worn by a first user; amulti-use device worn by a first user; a garment worn by a first user;or a single or multi-use device enabling a first user to have at leastpartial control over the position and/or movement of the detachabletubular element, into which a second user's penis may be inserted.

FIGS. 3A through 3C show an illustrative embodiment of a ring-typeattachment mechanism that enables temporary attachment of the open endof a detachable and/or separately provided sheath or tubular device. Thetubular device 301 illustrated in FIG. 3C may be for example aconventional condom. Other types of attachment mechanisms for the openend of a detachable device, including other types of ring-typemechanisms, and other types of detachable tubular devices areconceivable within the scope of the invention. FIGS. 3A and 3B providefront and side views of the ring-type attachment mechanism,respectively. FIG. 3C provides a side view of the ring-type attachmentmechanism with a condom 301 attached.

The example ring-type attachment mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 3Athrough 3C may comprise a ring with at least a portion 303 that has adiameter larger than the diameter of the condom 301 at the condom'sopening. As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the condom 301 may be attached byinserting the closed end and length of the condom through the ring-typemechanism and by stretching the open end of the condom, wrapping orfolding the open end of the condom back over the ring-type attachmentdevice, and releasing the open end so it fits securely against thering-type mechanism. The elastic nature of conventional condoms,compressive force provided by the stretched condom, and friction betweenthe condom and the ring-type device may contribute to providing a secureconnection between the condom and the ring-type attachment mechanism.

In order to enhance the security of attachment, the ring-type attachmentdevice may have a portion 304 positioned toward the closed end of thecondom 301 that has is relatively smaller diameter and a portion 303positioned away from the closed end of the condom that has a relativelylarger diameter. This is illustrated in FIG. 3B and 3C. As illustratedin FIG. 3C, when the open end of the condom is stretched and folded backover the ring-type attachment mechanism, the “base ring” 302 of thecondom—a thicker portion of the condom that is typically positioned atthe opening of conventional condoms—may be released so that it sitsbehind the larger diameter portion 303 of the ring-type mechanism. Therelatively higher compressive force exerted by the stretched base ringof the condom and the position of the base ring behind the largerdiameter portion 303 of the ring-type attachment mechanism, combinedwith the friction between the condom and the ring-type attachmentmechanism, may limit the ability of the base ring 302 and the condom 301to inadvertently slide off of or detach from the ring-type attachmentdevice. The ring-type attachment may be made out of a plastic orelastomer material for example an elastomeric material and may have aramp feature between 0 and 90 degrees on the outer and/or inner edges toprovide a more comfortable attachment than a rigid attachment forexample.

As noted above, the diameter of male-type condoms varies, but a typicaldiameter of a male condom base ring may be 1.5 inches. In this case, andgiven the highly elastic nature of male-type condoms, including the basering of male-type condoms, the relatively larger diameter portion 303 ofthe ring-type mechanism configured for use with a male-type condom mayrange from 1.5 inches in diameter to over three (3) inches in diameter.Sizing of the ring-type attachment mechanisms configured for use withmale-type condoms may vary in order to optimize the device's performancewith respect to various factors, including the desired security ofattachment, the ranges in diameter of various male-type condoms, thefragility of male-type condoms, and the comfort of the users, forexample. Optimization across these factors may further reflect thespecific design of the ring-type mechanism, including its shape andconstruction material(s), for example.

FIGS. 3D through 3F and FIGS. 3G through 3I illustrate two additionalembodiments for the ring-type attachment mechanism illustrated in FIGS.3A through 3C. Specifically, a potential issue with the ring-typemechanism illustrated in FIG. 3A through 3C is that it may bechallenging to size appropriately for any width penis. In this context,it may also be challenging to select an optimal material. In some usecases, the ring may be either (a) too firm to stretch around awider-than-anticipated penis, or too floppy to hold up against thecompression created by the base ring of the condom. The embodimentsshown in FIG. 3D-3F and 3G-3I address this issue with a mechanism thatis similar to a bracelet that expands to stretch around a person's hand,which uses beads strung along an elastic thread. The beads prevent thebracelet from collapsing below a certain diameter, but the elasticbetween the beads allows the bracelet to stretch over a hand.

FIG. 3D illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a ring-typeattachment mechanism that comprises a circle of beads 310 on an elasticthread (and possibly encased in an elastomer material) with a baseflange 314 to enable the beaded ring to attach to a device. FIG. 3Eshows a side view of a single bead 312. FIG. 3F shows a side view ofthis bead, illustrating bead profile 313, base flange 314, and anoptional elastic thread 315. In this illustrative embodiment the beadshave an angled profile. This angled profile may for example provide afunnel shape for an entering penis or other member of the second user.

FIG. 3G illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a ring-typeattachment mechanism that comprises a circle of beads 320 on an elasticthread with a base flange to enable the beaded ring to attach to adevice. FIG. 3H shows a side view of a single bead 322. FIG. 3I shows aside view of this bead, illustrating bead profile 323, base flange 324,and an optional elastic thread 325. In this illustrative embodiment thebeads have a round profile.

FIG. 3J shows an embodiment of a partial ring or hook-type attachmentmechanism for temporary attachment of an open end of a single ormulti-use sheath to a garment or control device. One or more hooks likehook 331 shown in FIG. 3J may for example be positioned in a fewlocations around the opening to collectively hold the base ring of acondom open. FIG. 3K illustrates an embodiment with three hooks 331 a,331 b, and 331 c positioned like corners of a triangle around opening103 in material 332. The base ring 333 of a condom may stretch and fitsecurely over these three hooks. In one or more embodiments, a hook-typemechanism may effectively substitute for a ring-type mechanism such asone illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. A benefit of this arrangement is thatthe stretchy material of the panel or flange (between the hooks) mayallow the tubular element to stretch freely around any size penis orother member of the second user and provide relatively greater freedomof movement than an attachment mechanism comprising a complete ringaround the opening.

FIGS. 4A through 4F illustrate an embodiment of a loop-and-fold typemechanism for temporarily attaching a closed end of a single ormulti-use sheath-like or tubular element. FIG. 4A illustrates elementsof the attachment mechanism 402 in a position on the waistband 401 of adevice or garment that may be worn by a first user. In this example, theloop-and-fold mechanism 402 comprises: a rectangular piece of material407 configured to enable folding in two dimensions, in this embodimentalong fold lines 404 a, 404 b, and 404 c; a strap or ribbon of material403 forming a loop across one end of the rectangular piece of material407; a point of attachment to a waistband 401 or any other portion of agarment or device that may be worn by a first user or attached to afirst user and/or at least partially controlled by a first user; and afastening system enabling one side of the rectangular material to befastened across the other side of the rectangular material once it hasbeen folded. On section 405 of the rectangular material, the side facingaway from the waistband may for example have a hook-&-loop system (e.g.,a VELCRO® brand fastener) or other system enabling temporary fasteningto the other side of the mechanism. On section 406, the side that isfacing the waistband 401 may be affixed to the waistband. The sidefacing away from the waistband may for example have a hook-&-loop system(e.g., a VELCRO® brand fastener) or other system enabling temporaryfastening of the other side of the mechanism.

The strap or ribbon 403 may be attached to the rectangular material 407on both ends to form a loop across the rectangular position. This loopmay be positioned at the top of the rectangular material. The point ofattachment to a waistband 401 of a garment may be positioned for examplein the bottom, right side of the rectangular material 407. This portionmay be permanently affixed to the waistband (e.g., using thread to sewthe material onto the waistband) or may be temporarily affixed to thewaistband using a hook-and-loop fastening system like VELCRO® or anothertype of temporary fastening system (e.g., hooks, loops, straps, clips,buttons, etc.). This (bottom right) portion of the rectangular materialmay also have a temporary fastening system (e.g., hook-and-loop typefastening system like VELCRO®) that enables the left side 405 of therectangular material to be temporarily fastened across the right side406 of the rectangular material after it is folded.

FIGS. 4B through 4E show an illustrative progression of steps totemporarily attach the closed end of a condom 410 in the loop-and-foldtype device 402 shown in FIG. 4A. Arrows with dashed lines are used inthe illustration to indicate movements of the mechanism that define theprogression of steps to attach the condom 410. As illustrated in FIG.4B, the closed tip 411 of the condom 410 may be inserted under the loopcreated by the ribbon or strap 403 that is attached across therectangular material. As illustrated in FIG. 4C, the rectangularmaterial may then be folded down over the loop 403 with the closed endof the condom, such that the fold is perpendicular to the length of thecondom sheath, along fold line 404 a in FIG. 4A, to create a first fold.As illustrated in FIG. 4D, the rectangular material may then be foldeddown a second time perpendicular to the length of the condom sheath toform a second fold along fold line 404 b in FIG. 4A. This may berepeated one or more additional times, according to various designs,embodiments, and implementations of the mechanism. In one or moreembodiments, rolling of the material may be also used instead of or inaddition to differentiated folds. The folds perpendicular to the lengthof the condom sheath may create friction sufficient to prevent theclosed end of the condom from sliding out of the loop and inadvertentlydetaching from the device.

As illustrated in 4E again the folded or rolled rectangular material maybe folded across from left to right with a fold that is parallel to thelength of the condom sheath, along fold line 404 c in FIG. 4A. This foldis perpendicular to the initial folds (or rolls) and may prevent thematerial from unfolding inadvertently and releasing the closed end ofthe condom. As illustrated, this final fold may be secured using ahook-and-loop type fastening system, or other fastening system, tofasten the side of the rectangular material that is not connected to thewaistband (the left side 405 of the rectangular material, as illustratedin FIG. 4A) to the side 406 of the rectangular material that is affixedto the waistband (the right side of the rectangular material, asillustrated in FIG. 4A).

FIG. 4F illustrates the result of inserting the closed end of the condom410 under the loop, folding the rectangular material perpendicular toand then parallel to the length of the condom sheath, and fastening theloose side of the mechanism to the right side, which is affixed to thegarment waistband 401. This result is that the example loop-and-foldmechanism illustrated in FIG. 4A provides a means of temporarilyattaching the closed end of the condom or other detachable sheath(whether a single use or sanitize-able multi-use sheath) to thewaistband of a garment, to another area of a garment, to a device thatmay be worn by a first user, or to a device that may otherwise enable afirst user to have at least partial control of the position or movementof the sheath.

In some embodiments, the functioning of a loop-and-fold type attachmentmechanism may be enhanced, with respect to the security of attachment orthe simplicity of folds, for example, by incorporating an insert-typemechanism inside the closed end of the tubular element, as illustratedin FIGS. 4G through 4O. This and other related variants of aloop-and-fold type mechanism are not separately illustrated, but arewithin the scope of the invention.

FIG. 4G through 4K show an illustrative embodiment with an insert-typemechanism for temporary attachment of the closed end of a condom orother sheath to a garment or other device. An insert-type mechanism forattaching the closed end may for example require insertion of an insertinto the condom or sheath, and placing the insert at or near the closedend of the condom. The insert may then fit through one or more securingelements that hold it in place. FIGS. 4G and 4H show an illustrativeembodiment of an insert, which may for example be a button or a similarshape item. FIG. 4G shows a top view of insert 421, and FIG. 4H shows aside view of insert 421. FIG. 4I shows insert 421 inserted into condom422 and placed at the closed end of the condom. FIG. 4J shows anillustrative embodiment of an attachment device into which the closedend of the condom 422 fits along with the insert 421. For a button-typeinsert similar to insert 421, the attachment device may be for example abutton hole 424 in material 423. Material 423 may for example be part ofa pair of underwear or may be another part of the device. The hole 424may be configured for the button-type insert 421 to pass through andcatch behind. Condom 422 may for example be secured by inserting theinsert 421 into the condom, as shown in FIG. 4I, and passing the buttoninsert 421 through the button hole 424. FIG. 4K shows a side view ofcondom 422 inserted through button hole 424 in material 423 and held inplace by the button-type insert 421.

FIG. 4L shows an illustrative embodiment with a slot-type or notch-typemechanism that may be used for example to secure a condom or othersheath with a button insert similar to the insert shown in FIGS. 4G and4H. In some situations it may be easier or faster for a user, forexample, to slide a button into a slot or notch made from a materialwith a relatively firm structure than it would be to place a buttonthrough a button-hole. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4L, material 431has notch 432, which may for example have a width at the bottom end ofthe notch that is smaller than the width or diameter of the button-typeinsert. Material 432 may for example be a firm material that will holdthe button in position once it is inserted behind the notch.

FIGS. 4M and 4N illustrate another embodiment of a slot-type ornotch-type mechanism. FIG. 4M shows a notch-type mechanism that may bemade for example from wire or hard plastic 433. Notch 434 is formedbetween two arms of the material 433. This is similar to the shape usedfor “hook-&-eye” fasteners used in women's dresses, bras, etc.; however,in this case, a button inserted into a condom or other tubular elementis positioned into the slot instead of a conventional hook. FIG. 4Nshows the notch mechanism of FIG. 4M with a button-type insert 421secured behind the mechanism. FIG. 4O shows a side view of a condom 422with its closed end secured into material 431 containing a notch, withthe button-type insert 421 inserted into the condom and slipped into anotch in the material. The notch may for example be a notch similar tonotch 432 or similar to notch 434. One or more embodiments may use anytype of notch or slot made from any type of material or combination ofmaterials to secure an insert in a condom at the closed end of thecondom.

A potential advantage of the insert-type mechanisms illustrated in FIGS.4G through 4O and referenced elsewhere herein is the relatively smallsize of inserts that may be used. This may be particularly relevant incomparison to the ring inserts used with conventional female condoms. Asnoted above, the ring insert in a typical female condom may be 2 to 2.5inches in diameter. The relatively large size of these ring inserts isinherent to their proper functioning because they much be large enoughto exert sufficient outward pressure against the inside surface of afirst user's body cavity to secure the position of the closed end of thefemale condom inside the body cavity. However, inserting such a largeelement into a closed end of a condom can substantially reduce thecondom's operational length. In contrast, the button-type insertmechanisms illustrated in FIGS. 4G through 4O and referenced elsewhereherein can be configured to be less than one half (0.5) inch indiameter. Using an insert mechanism of this relatively small size meansthat a much smaller amount of the condom length is required to provide asecure attachment. The ability to effectively extend the functionallength of a tubular element by using such a small insert provides apotential advantage for the ability of the device to satisfy users withvarious sizes of anatomy and more generally to improve the enjoyment ofsexual activities.

Note that while FIGS. 4G through 4O illustrate an insert mechanism witha round, button-like shape, insert mechanisms with other shapes areconceivable and fall within the scope of the invention. Examples includefor example inserts with the shape of a ball, ring, triangle, hook, bar,or other similar shape. Such alternate shapes may be particularly wellsuited for other types of corresponding attachment mechanisms attachedto or through the balance of the device. For example, ball, ring, ordisk-shaped insert mechanisms may be configured to fit into a snap-typedevice. Hook shaped insert mechanisms may be configured to fit into aneye-type attachment mechanism, for example. Ring-shaped insertmechanisms may be configured to fit into a hook-type attachmentmechanism, for example. Insert mechanisms with triangular, trapezoidal,diamond, round, ball or other similar shapes may be configured to fitinto a mechanism that is shaped in part like a flattened funnel, forexample. Insert mechanisms shaped like a ball, bar, or tube, may beconfigured to fit into a slider, sleeve, or partial sleeve-typemechanism, for example. All of these and similar type insert mechanismsare within the scope of the invention.

Other shapes of insert may also be used to attach a closed end of acondom or other type of tubular element within the scope of theinvention. For example, the insert may comprise a ring and the mechanismattached to the material 431 may comprise a hook, snap, or othermechanism that securely attaches to the ring with the condom materialheld in between the insert and the attachment mechanism.

Affixing an attachment mechanism for the open end of a condom ordetachable sheath and another attachment mechanism for the other end ofa condom or detachable sheath to a garment or device may provide a meansof temporarily attaching a detachable and/or separately provided condom,sheath, or other tubular element to the garment or device in such a waythat the penis or other member of a second user may be inserted into thetubular element without being inserted into the vagina, anus, or otherbody cavity of a first user. The attachment mechanism for the open endmay for example be a ring-type mechanism, a hook-type mechanism, or anyother mechanism that holds the open end of the condom securely againstthe garment or device. The attachment mechanism for the closed end maybe for example a loop-and-fold type mechanism, or a mechanism such as abutton hole or notch that may be used with an insert into the condom. Asa result, these mechanisms provide illustrative examples of elementsthat may be incorporated into one or more embodiments such as theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A. These mechanisms are illustrativeexamples, only, however; other mechanisms may be incorporated into oneor more embodiments to provide a similar function within the scope ofthe invention.

FIGS. 4P through 4T illustrate another example of an attachmentmechanism for a closed end of a tubular element or condom comprising anelement 435 with a tapered shape similar in some respects to a funnel orflattened funnel. FIG. 4P illustrates an example of such an attachmentmechanism 435. The element may comprise a wider portion 436 that isoriented to be facing away from the attachment point for the open end ofthe condom or tubular element and a narrower portion 437 that isoriented to be facing toward the attachment point for the open end ofthe condom or tubular element. The wider portion 436 may be configuredto be at least as wide as, or wider than, the width of an insert-typeelement that may be inserted into the closed end of a condom or tubularelement, while the narrower portion 437 may be configured to be narrowerthan or at least as narrow as the width of an insert-type element thatmay be inserted into a closed end of a condom or tubular element. Inthis way, an insert-type element inserted inside a closed end of acondom or tubular element can pass into the wider portion 436 of thetapered element 435, but cannot pass out of the narrower portion 437 ofthe tapered element 435. FIG. 4P illustrates the example attachmentelement from the perspective of one side, which may be the side orientedeither toward or away from the surface of the garment or device to whichthe attachment element is coupled, for example. FIG. 4Q illustrates thesame attachment mechanism from the perspective of another side. The sideillustrated in 4Q features an optional opening 438 that extends from anoutside portion of the tapered element 435 to an inside portion of thetapered element 435, the opening spanning the length of the taperedelement 435 from the wider portion 436 to the narrower portion 437. Thepurpose of this opening is to simplify the coupling of the attachmentelement 435 to a condom or tubular element 422 when an insert element421 inserted into the closed end of the condom or tubular element.Specifically, this type of configuration enables the length of thecondom 422 to pass through the opening 438 and into the inside portionof the tapered element 435 while the closed end of the condom 422 is onthe side of the tapered element 435 with the wider portion 436 and whilethe open end of the condom is on the side of the tapered element 435with the narrower portion 437. FIG. 4Q also illustrates an area ofattachment 439 where the tapered attachment element 435 may be coupledto a surface of a garment or device when the side with an opening 438 isfacing the surface of the coupled garment or device. FIG. 4R illustratesthe tapered attachment element 435 from the perspective of the end withthe wider portion 436, and viewing down through the interior portion ofthe tapered element 435 toward the end with the narrower portion 437.FIG. 4R also illustrates the opening 438 on one side of the taperedelement, and illustrates an area of attachment 439 where the taperedelement 435 may be coupled to a garment or device. In this example thearea of attachment 439 is on the same side of the tapered element 435 asthe opening 438. FIG. 4S illustrates the same view of the taperedelement 435 as is illustrated in FIG. 4R, but with an insert element 421inserted into the closed end of a condom 422 and positioned within theinside portion of the tapered element. FIG. 4T illustrates the same viewof the tapered element 435 as is illustrated in FIG. 4Q, but with aninsert element 421 inserted into the closed end of a condom 422 andpositioned within the inside portion of the tapered element. Asillustrated here, the insert element 421 inserted into the closed end ofthe condom 422 is narrow enough to fit through the wide portion 436 ofthe tapered element 435, but is too wide to fit through the narrowportion 437 of the tapered element 435. As a result, the tapered element435 provides for secure attachment of the closed end of a condom ortubular element 422 when an insert element 421 is inserted into theclosed end of the condom or tubular element 422. FIG. 4T also makes itclear how the opening 438 can allow the length of the condom or tubularelement 422 to be passed into an interior portion of the tapered element435 while an insert element 421 is inserted into the closed end of thecondom is positioned on the side of the tapered element 435 with thewider portion 436 and while the open end of the condom is positioned onthe side the tapered element 435 with the narrower portion 437.

More generally, the attachment mechanisms described above, or othermechanisms providing similar function, may be integrated with a devicethat may be worn by a first user. They may be permanently affixed to agarment that may be worn by a first user, or they may be configured toenable temporary attachment of the mechanisms to a garment worn by afirst user.

In one or more embodiments, a ring-type attachment mechanism may bepermanently installed (e.g., sewn with thread) onto the outside of agarment, such that the tubular element may extend along the outside ofthe garment (outside meaning the side of the garment facing away fromthe first user's body). With this configuration, the ring-type elementmay for example be connected to the garment only on the side of the ringopposite the direction that the tubular element will extend (e.g., awayfrom the waistband). This may enable a second user's penis to enter thedevice through the ring and penetrate a tubular element lying along theoutside of the garment without enabling the penis to penetrate the firstuser's vagina, anus, or other body part. A potential benefit of thisconfiguration is to reduce the extent of alterations to the garment(e.g., to avoid creating additional openings in the garment).

Alternatively, in one or more embodiments a ring-type attachmentmechanism may be permanently installed (e.g., using thread stitching) toan opening in the garment (e.g., positioned between the leg openings inthe garment), such that the tubular element may extend along the insideof the garment (“inside” meaning the side of the garment facing towardthe first user's body), similar to the position of the tubular elementillustrated in FIGS. 1A and 2A. Alternatively, the opening in thegarment may penetrate one or more layers of the garment, but not alllayers of the garment, such that one or more layers of the garment actas a liner to further prevent penetration of the first user's body.

In one or more embodiments, attachment mechanisms similar to thosedescribed above may alternatively be temporarily affixed to a garment,for example using clips, straps, loop-and-hook type fastening,adhesives, or other fastening systems. For example, the attachmentmechanisms may be affixed to a material with adhesive backing capable oftemporarily adhering onto the surface of a garment or device. In suchcases, the fastening systems may connect the ring-type attachmentmechanism to the garment on one side of the ring, for example on theside opposite the direction that the tubular element is intended toextend. This may enable a second user's penis to enter the devicethrough the ring and penetrate a tubular element that extends along theexterior of the garment or device without enabling the penis topenetrate the first user's vagina, anus, or other body part.

The illustrations and discussion provided above with respect to FIGS. 2Athrough 2C, 3A through 3K, and 4A through 4O all reflect the potentialto temporarily attach a detachable or separately provided tubularelement or sheath, which may for example be in the form of aconventional condom or may be in the form of a novel tubular elementspecifically configured to attach to the device. FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate an embodiment with a novel tubular device (i.e., other than aconventional condom) that incorporates elements to specifically enabletemporary attachment of the tubular device to another garment or devicevia attachment mechanisms affixed to the other garment or device. FIG.5A illustrates the tubular device. FIG. 5B illustrates the attachmentmechanisms affixed to another garment or device.

The illustrative embodiment of a tubular device 501 shown in FIG. 5Afeatures a firm base ring 502 integrated with an open end 503 that isconfigured to enable insertion of a user's penis. It also features aloop 504 integrated at a closed end 505 of the sheath.

The illustrative embodiment of an attachment mechanism shown in FIG. 5Bfeatures a ring-type attachment mechanism 510 on the right side and aloop-type attachment mechanism 511 on the left side. The ring-typeattachment mechanism 510 may have a groove or channel 512 that isconfigured to reflect the size and shape of the firm base ring 502 atthe open end of the tubular device 501. More specifically, the groove orchannel 512 may be configured so that it makes a ring with a diametersimilar to the diameter of the firm base ring 502. It may be furtherconfigured with an opening that is slightly narrower than the width ofthe firm base ring 502 and with a more open space behind the opening ofthe groove or channel 512 (i.e., further inside the ring-typemechanism). This may allow the firm base ring 502 of the tubular deviceto enter the channel or groove 512 only when a specific force is appliedaround the circumference of the firm base ring. As a result, the openend 503 of the tubular device may be securely attached to the ring-typeattachment mechanism 510 by pressing the firm base ring 502 into thegroove or channel 512. The open end 503 of the tubular device may alsobe removed by applying sufficient force to pull the firm base ring outof the groove or channel.

The force required to insert the firm base ring 502 of the tubularelement 501 into the channel or groove 512 of the ring-type attachmentmechanism 510 may be adjusted for example by adjusting the relative sizeof the firm base ring and the opening to the channel or groove.Similarly, the force required to remove the firm base ring 502 of thetubular element from the channel or groove 512 of the ring-typeattachment mechanism 510 may be adjusted by adjusting the relative sizeof the firm base ring and the opening to the channel or groove. In thisway, by adjusting the relative sizes of the channel or groove opening512 and the firm base ring 502 of the tubular element 501, themechanisms may be configured to provide a secure, temporary attachmentof the tubular device 501 to the ring-type attachment mechanism 510.

In various embodiments the firm base ring 502 may be configured with afirmness greater than, less then, or similar to the firmness of aconventional condom. In some embodiments, the ring-type attachmentmechanism 512 may be configured with segments that provide security ofattachment while other segments are relatively more elastic to ensurefreedom of movement and comfort for the users. Such embodiments areanalogous to the segmented ring or hook-type configurations discussedwith respect to FIGS. 3J through 3K, for example.

Attachment of the closed end 504 of the tubular device 501 may beaccomplished for example by connecting the loop 504 that is integratedwith the tubular device to the loop-type attachment mechanism 511. Oneway to form this connection is to feed the loop 504 that is integratedwith the tubular device through the loop-type attachment mechanism 511,stretch open the loop 504 that is integrated with the tubular device501, and then feed the sheath-portion of the tubular device (includingthe firm base ring) through the loop that has been fed through theloop-type attachment mechanism 511. After this end is connected, thesheath may be extended down to the ring-type attachment mechanism 510,the firm base ring 502 may be squeezed through the opening in thering-type attachment mechanism 510, and finally the firm base ring 502may be snapped into the groove 512 to secure the firm base ring to thering-type attachment mechanism. Many other types of mechanisms maysimilarly provide for attachment of the loop-type mechanism 504 on atubular element 501 to a device or garment 513, including but notlimited to hooks, clips, or straps, for example.

These and similar elements and devices may be configured in a variety ofways to achieve similar function within the scope of the invention. Forexample, in one or more embodiments a tubular element may have openingsand firm base rings at both ends rather than having one open end and oneclosed end. Alternatively, in one or more embodiments the attachmentmechanisms may incorporate or comprise various combinations of straps,hooks, loops, clips, or other mechanisms. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 5B, the loop-type attachment mechanism 511 and the ring-typeattachment mechanism 510 are coupled to item 513, which may for examplebe any or all of a strap, a ribbon, another mechanism enabling at leastpartial control of the device by a first user, a surface of a portion ofa device worn by a first user, or a surface of a garment worn by a firstuser onto which attachment mechanisms are affixed. These or otherattachment mechanisms may be permanently or temporarily affixed tovarious garments or devices that may be worn by a first user or mayotherwise enable at least partial control of position and/or movement ofthe tubular element.

FIGS. 6A through 6C and 7A and 7B illustrate examples of embodimentslike those illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C and 2A through 2C, inwhich the device or garment that may be worn by a first user providesrelatively less coverage of the first user's body than is provided inthe examples illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C and 2A through 2C. Inparticular, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6C providean intermediate level of coverage for the body of the first user, whilethe embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B provide no substantivecoverage of the body of the first user that is wearing the device.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A, shown as a top view, featuresmaterial 601 that extends between the legs of the first user, from thefront of the waistband 604 to the back. This material includes anopening 602 positioned between the legs of the first user. The opening602 may connect directly to the open end of an integrated tubularelement 603 that may be configured to enable insertion of a seconduser's penis. Alternatively, the opening 602 may incorporate a ring-typeor other attachment mechanism enabling temporary attachment of adetachable or separately provided tubular device. In one or moreembodiments the waistband 604 and/or the material 601 extending betweena first user's legs may include an attachment mechanism at one or moreother points of the tubular element in addition to an attachmentmechanism at the opening. For example, one or more embodiments may havean attachment mechanism like mechanism 605 to connect the closed end ofa tubular element 603 to the waistband 604 and/or the material 601. Oneor more embodiments may have one or more attachment mechanismsconnecting the length of the tubular element to the material and/orwaistband. These attachment mechanisms may comprise a permanent ortemporary means of attaching to the tubular element. In one or moreembodiments the integrated waistband 604 may be replaced with orsupplemented with clips or another mechanism enabling the device to betemporarily attached to underwear or another garment worn by the firstuser or to a belt, strap, or string fitted around the waist or anotherportion of the first user's body.

FIG. 6B illustrates a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 6A, shown as aside view, where the tubular element 603 is configured so as to bepositioned between the first user's body and an interior surface 612 ofone or more elements enabling the device to be worn by the first user.In such embodiments the opening 602 at the end of the tubular element603 may extend from the interior of the tubular element to the exteriorsurface 611 of the device, thereby enabling the penis of a second userto be inserted into the tubular element. In such configurations, theopening of the tubular element may for example be connected (directly orindirectly via a ring-type attachment mechanism) around the fullcircumference of the opening to the material extending between the firstuser's legs. Such embodiments benefit from compressive force provided bythe material 601 against the tubular element and the first user's body.Among other benefits, this enables the tubular element to bemanufactured from a particularly thin material and places the body partsof the two users in particularly close proximity. These structuralaspects of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 6B serve to furtherenhance the stimulation and transmission of sensations between the usersfor their mutual benefit.

As an alternative, FIG. 6C illustrates an embodiment where the tubularelement 603 is configured so as to be positioned on the exterior surface611 of the device, shown as a side view. In one or more embodiments, theopening of the tubular element may be connected (directly or indirectlyvia a ring-type attachment mechanism) to the material extending betweenthe first user's legs for only a portion of its circumference. Forexample, it may be connected only on the side 602 a of the opening 602opposite the direction that the tubular element extends along theoutside 611 of the material. A potential advantage of this type ofconfiguration is that it may require minimal alteration to a garment orother device enabling the device to be worn by a first user—because thering and tubular element are all on the exterior.

FIG. 7A illustrates another embodiment that provides limited coverage ofthe first user, shown as a top view. This embodiment may for example besimilar to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6C, with adifferent shape of the material 701 to provide more limited or differentcoverage of the first user. FIG. 7B shows a side view of a variation onthe embodiment of FIG. 7A with the tubular element 603 on the interiorof the device, between the interior surface 612 and the first user'sbody. One or more embodiments may provide a variation of the embodimentof FIG. 7A with the tubular element on the exterior of the device, as inFIG. 6C for example. A benefit of the example embodiment illustrated in7A and 7B, and other similar embodiments, is that it may be compatiblefor use with a variety of garments that have one or more holes in them,but that don't have the mechanisms required to attach a tubular element.

Like embodiments of the invention configured according to the examplesillustrated in FIGS. 1A through 1C and 2A through 2C, embodimentsconfigured to provide relatively less body coverage for the first user,as illustrated in FIGS. 6A through 6C and 7A and 7B, may alternately beworn directly against a first user's body, worn over one or moregarments, including conventional underwear, for example, or may be wornsuch that the tubular element passes through an opening in a garment.This may be enabled for example by the waistbands that are included inthese examples. Similar embodiments may be configured without awaistband, substituting other mechanisms to enable attachment, directlyor indirectly, to a garment or another device. This could beaccomplished, for example, by integrating various types of attachment orfastening mechanisms to the points of the device that connect to thewaistbands illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 7A. Such fastening mechanisms mayinclude for example one or more hooks, clips, straps, adhesive elements,hook-and-loop type fastening systems, buttons, or other availablefastening systems, or any combination thereof.

More generally, one or more embodiments may comprise a device or systemof devices that may be temporarily attached to the exterior of a garmentworn by a first user. In such embodiments, the presence of a garmentbetween the device and the first user's body may enable insertion of asecond user's penis into the tubular element without enablingpenetration of the vagina, anus, or other body part of the first user.Such embodiments may for example comprise one or more devices or asystem of devices with elements providing for attachment to a firstuser's garment and one or more tubular, sheath-like, or sleeve-likeelements that are open on at least one end and configured to enableinsertion of a second user's penis into the tubular element. The elementor elements providing for attachment to a garment may include one ormore clips, straps, or adhesives, for example. Garments worn by a firstuser, to which such devices may be attached may include, but are notlimited to, underwear, leggings, shorts, or pants, or other similargarments, for example.

In one or more embodiments the tubular element may be configured so thatwhen the device is attached to a garment the tubular element is exposedon the exterior of the garment and may come into direct contact with asecond user. In other embodiments, the tubular element may be configuredso that it is positioned between the garment worn by a first user andanother layer of material of the device, which may be positioned betweenthe tubular element and the first user's body. In such embodiments, thislayer of material may provide a compressive force to the tubularelement. A potential benefit of such a configuration may be to increasethe compressive force applied to a penis inserted into the tubularelement, thereby increasing stimulation of the penis, without requiringthe tubular element to be manufactured in a way that independentlyincreases its compressive characteristics.

FIGS. 7C and 7D illustrate a top view and side view, respectively, of anembodiment enabling attachment of the device 710 to a waistband 711. Theterm waistband may include for example, without limitation, aconventional waistband, a belt, fabric or string worn around the waist,or any similar mechanism. In the embodiment shown, strings 712 a through712 h run from waistband 711 through loops or hooks 713 a through 713 dthat are attached to the device 710, and back to the waistband 711. Theends of the strings may be secured at the waistband for example bywrapping the string around a button, such as button 714 shown in FIG. 7Cfor attachment of string 712 d, similar for example to the wayold-fashioned letters are closed by wrapping a string around twocardboard buttons, or with snaps or similar mechanisms. Potentialbenefits of this arrangement may include for example that each corner ofthe device 710 is secured along three axes and the position of thedevice is fully adjustable. In one or more embodiments the waistband 711may be configured to be used multiple times, for example with asingle-use replaceable device 710. The waistband 711 may be fitted withclips, buttons, and/or other mechanisms to enable control cordsconnected to a single or multi-use component with a tubular element.Alternatively, the multi-use waistband may be fitted with control cordsthat can be temporarily affixed to the single or multi-use componentwith a tubular element using clips, hooks, and/or other similarmechanisms. The multi-use waistband may be a standalone component or maybe integrated with garments or other components or devices worn orcontrolled by a user. One or more embodiments similar to that of FIG. 7Cmay have either a fully integrated tubular element or a tubular element(e.g., single use condom) that may be temporarily attached. FIG. 7Dshows a side view of a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 7C where thetubular element 603 is on the interior of the device, between theinterior surface and the first user's body. Such configurations maybenefit from the compressive force generated by the material 710 againstthe first users body, the ability to use tubular elements comprised of athin material that does not provide substantial independent compressiveforce, and the close proximity between the user's body parts to enhancetheir mutual stimulation and the transmission of sensations betweenthem. Alternatively, one or more variations of the embodiment of FIG. 7Cmay locate tubular element 603 on the exterior, similar to theembodiment shown in FIG. 6C.

FIGS. 7E and 7F illustrate another embodiment that enables attachment ofthe device 720 to a waistband 721. FIG. 7E shows a top view, and FIG. 7Fshows a side view of an embodiment with the tubular element 603 on theinterior of the device. (In one or more embodiments the tubular elementmay be located on the exterior of the device.) In this embodiment,strings 722 a and 722 b run through channels or tubes 723 a and 723 balong the sides of the device 720. The strings may for example havehooks or clips on each end, which may for example hook onto loops in thewaistband (or simply over the top of the waistband). In one or moreembodiments any type of attachment mechanism may be used to attach thestrings 722 a and 722 b to the waistband 721. For example, string 722 ahas attached clips 725 and 726, which clip over loops 727 and 728,respectively, in waistband 721. A potential benefit of this arrangementis that the position of the device may be adjusted along the length ofthe strings. In one or more embodiments the device may have a fullyintegrated tubular element; in one or more embodiments a tubular element(e.g., single use condom) may be temporarily attached.

FIGS. 7G and 7H illustrate another embodiment with a device 730, whichmay be for example a small panel of material such as a flange around theopening to tubular element 603, that attaches to a waistband 731 usingcontrol lines. FIG. 7G shows a top view, and 7H shows a side view. Inthis embodiment, four lines 732 a through 732 d are attached to thewaistband 731 (for example by being sewn into the waistband or otherwiseattached permanently or temporarily). Clips or hooks (or otherattachment mechanisms) at the free end of the control lines may attachto device 730, for example at the four corners as shown in FIG. 7G. Forexample, in FIG. 7G control line 732 a has a hook 735 that attachesthrough loop 737 at the upper left corner of device 730. Similarattachment may be performed at the other corners. In this embodiment, abutton-&-notch-type mechanism 738 (similar to the mechanism illustratedin FIGS. 4L through 4O) may be used to attach the closed end of thetubular element 603. Notch mechanism 738 may for example be attached toone or more control lines, or otherwise attached to waistband 731. Abutton or similar item 421 may be placed in the closed end of tubularelement 603, and placed into the notch 739 to secure the closed end. Inthis embodiment, the material of device 730 is directly coupled to theopen end of tubular element 603; the closed end of tubular element 603is coupled indirectly to device 730 via coupling of the device 730 towaistband 731 via control lines, and coupling of the closed end oftubular element 603 to notch mechanism 738 that is coupled to thewaistband 731. In one or more embodiments the device may include a fullyintegrated tubular element; in one or more embodiments the device maycomprises a base panel with a hole into which a separate tubular element(e.g., condom) may be temporarily attached.

FIGS. 7I and 7J illustrate an embodiment with a panel of material 740that has an opening 741 at one end, and a notch-type mechanism 742 atthe other end. FIG. 7J shows the device without a tubular element, suchas a condom, installed; FIG. 7I shows the device with a tubular elementinstalled. Clips or hooks (or another attachment mechanism) 743 athrough 734 d may for example be used to attach device 740 to awaistband or other garment. A tubular element, such as a condom, may beinstalled in the device and attached at the open end and at the closedend. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7I and 7J, clips 744 a through 744 d onthe device may attach for example to a flange 745 on the open end of thetubular element; this is shown in FIG. 7I with the flange 745 attached.To attach the closed end of the tubular element to the device, a buttonor similar item may be placed in the closed end and secured to the notch742. FIG. 7I shows closed end 746 with a button installed securedthrough notch 742. These attachment devices 743 a through 743 d, 744 athrough 744 d, and 742 are illustrative mechanisms; one or moreembodiments may substitute or add other types of attachment mechanismsfor any or all of attachment to a waistband or garment, attachment tothe open end of the tubular element, or attachment to the closed end ofthe tubular element.

FIGS. 7K and 7L show a top view and side view, respectively, of avariation on the embodiment of FIGS. 7I and 7J that uses a differentattachment mechanism for the open end of a tubular element, such as acondom. FIGS. 7K and 7L both show device 750 with a female condom 751installed and attached to the device 750. In this embodiment, there areno hooks to secure the open end of the condom. Instead the open end ofcondom 751 is secured because the opening 752 in the device has asmaller diameter than the diameter of the base ring 753 of the condom.As noted above, the typical base ring diameter on conventional femalecondoms may be greater than 2.5 inches. As a result, in order to providesecure attachment of the open end of a conventional female condom, theopening 752 may be configured to be less than 2.5 inches in at least onedirection. The size and shape of the opening 752 may be impacted byother factors, as well, including the elasticity of the material, forexample. In one or more embodiments with a relatively elastic materialaround the opening, for example, a round opening 752 may have a diameterof less than one inch, leaving plenty of space between the edge of theopening and the base ring on the female condom and relying on thematerial elasticity to enable the opening to stretch around the girth ofa male member inserted into the female condom and through the opening.In one or more embodiments using a somewhat less elastic material aroundthe opening 752, for example, the opening may have the shape of a circlewith a diameter between one and two inches, leaving at least a quarterinch around the full circumference of the opening between the openingand the base ring on the female condom. In one or more other embodimentsthe opening 752 may have the shape of a narrow slit, such that thelength of the slit is not substantially limited by the diameter of thebase ring because the narrow width of the opening prevents the base ringfrom being pulled through. Other shapes and sizes for the opening 752are also conceivable and may be effective, which fall within the scopeof the invention. For this type of attachment mechanism for an open endof a female condom, configuring the measurement of the opening 752 in atleast one dimension to be less than the width of the base ring on afemale condom may ensure that the base ring cannot go through theopening 752.

It is worth noting that this requirement for the dimensions of anopening 752 for attaching an open end of a female condom is within therange of dimensions noted above with regard to ring-type attachmentmechanisms that may be used for attaching the open end of male condoms,as described with reference to FIGS. 3A through 3K. As a result,ring-type attachment mechanisms configured to attach the open end ofwith male-type condoms may also be effective for attaching the open endof female-type condoms. For example, a ring-type attachment mechanismwith a diameter of between 1 and 2.25 inches, or that is positionedaround an opening with a diameter between 1 and 2.25 inches, could beused to temporarily attach either male-type or female-type condoms orboth. In one or more embodiments a ring-type attachment mechanism may beprovided for example for temporarily attaching a male condom. Attachmentof the closed end of condom 751 may use for example a button-typemechanism 421 placed through notch 754, as described above with respectto FIGS. 7I and 7J.

As noted in various sections above, the features of conventional maleand female condoms offer various tradeoffs with respect to their use andperformance in non-penetrating sexual applications. As a result, a noveltubular element that integrates key features of conventional male andfemale condoms may provide key advantages and optimize the performanceof a condom-like tubular element for the purposes of non-penetratingsex. For example, such an optimized condom configuration may integratethe functional length more typical of a male condom with the materialthickness of a female condom to overcome the relatively fragility oftypical male condoms. For example, the optimized condom may have alength from the open end to the closed end that is greater than eight(8) inches. Such an optimized condom configuration may further integratea tubular diameter and base ring diameter similar to a conventionalfemale condom, thereby enabling simplified attachment of the open end ofthe condom using mechanisms similar to those described in reference toFIGS. 7K through 7L above. Alternatively, such an optimized condomconfiguration may integrate a tubular diameter and base ring diametersimilar to a conventional male condom, thereby enabling simplifiedattachment of the open end of the condom using mechanisms similar tothose described in reference to FIGS. 3A through 3K above. The optimizedcondom may further be configured with one or more elements to enablesimplified attachment of the closed end using any of the attachmentmechanisms discussed herein. For example, the optimized condom may beconfigured and supplied with a relatively small insert-type elementalready inserted into the closed end, similar to the way a conventionalfemale condom is supplied with a ring insert already inserted into theclosed end. Alternatively, it may be configured with a loop or othermechanism attached to the outside surface of the closed end of thecondom. Alternatively, it may not include any specialized element tospecifically enable attachment of the closed end of the condom, relyinginstead on one or more of the many other attachment mechanisms describedherein. As such, one or more embodiments may comprise a novel tubularelement similar in certain respects to conventional male or female typecondoms and configured to enable releasable attachment or coupling ofthe open and closed ends to a device worn by a first user to enablenon-penetrating sex; the tubular element comprising a functional lengthof eight (8) inches or more, similar to a conventional male condom; amaterial thickness and material strength similar to that of aconventional female condom; an open end with a relatively wide base ringof a rigidity and diameter similar to a conventional female condom,enabling simplified coupling of the open end to a device or garmentthrough the use of an opening in a surface of the device or garment thatis relatively narrow in at least one direction; the closed end of thetubular element being releasably coupled to the garment or device usingone or more attachment mechanisms, including but not limited to one ormore mechanisms utilizing a relatively small size insert element.

FIGS. 7M and 7N show a variation of the embodiment of FIGS. 7K and 7Lwith a different attachment mechanism between the top of the device andthe waistband or belt. In this embodiment, the top of the device 760 isnot secured to a waistband or belt using clips or hooks, but by wrappingthe end of the device over a waistband or belt. For example, the devicemay have lines 761 a and 761 b connecting a lower panel to an uppernotch panel 762, and these lines may be wrapped over a waistband orbelt. The notch panel 762 (or a similar mechanism for attaching theclosed end of condom 751) may for example hang down from the inside ofthe waistband or belt while the rest of the device hangs down from theoutside of the belt (or vice versa). The bottom end of the device 760may be secured (e.g., to the back of the waistband) using for exampleclips 763 a and 763 b.

FIGS. 7O and 7P show an embodiment that is a variation of the embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 7C and 7D. FIG. 7O shows a top view and FIG. 7Pshows a side view. Major differences between the embodiment of FIGS.7O/7P and the embodiment of FIGS. 7C/7D are (i) the base panel 770 ofthe device does not extend along the full length of the tubular element603 and (ii) the closed end 771 of the tubular element 603 is attachedusing a string/cord or similar element 772 that is permanently affixedto the tubular element 603 and is temporarily attached to the waistband773 by wrapping the string around a button 774, or by any otherattachment mechanism.

FIG. 7Q shows a top view of an embodiment that is a variation of theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7O and 7P. In this embodiment thematerial 781 in which opening 782 for a condom is configured is part ofan integrated garment and is attached to waistband 783. Opening 782 mayfor example allow the tubular portion of a condom (or similar tube) topass into the inside of the garment while the base remains on theexterior of the garment. Material 781 includes leg holes 784 a and 784b. The top end of a condom or similar tube may for example be attachedto a button or other mechanism 774 on the waistband via a string orcord, as in FIGS. 7O/7P.

FIGS. 7R, 7S, and 7T show front, top, and side views, respectively, of asimilar embodiment to that of FIG. 7Q, where the attachment mechanism790 for the closed end of a condom may not necessarily require a stringor cord on the closed end. (Attachment mechanism 790 may for example bea loop-and-fold type mechanism, a button or other insert type mechanismwith a notch or button hole, or any other attachment mechanism such asthose described above.) FIGS. 7S and 7T show the device with a condom603 inserted and attached. The closed end of condom 603 is attached tomechanism 790, and the open end is attached to or secured againstopening 782.

In each of the example embodiments 6A through 7T the device may benefitfrom positioning the length and closed end (as illustrated) of thetubular element between the first user's body and an outside layer ofthe device or an outside layer of a garment, though which the tubularelement passes. As a result, each of these example embodiments maybenefit from a compressive force applied by the outside layer ofmaterial—material of the device or material of the garment—against thetubular element and against the first user's body. As a further result,the tubular element may be manufactured from a relatively thin materialor comprise a conventional condom without compromising compressivestimulation of the second user's member and with the added benefit ofenhancing the stimulation and transmission of sensations between theusers.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment enabling a first user to beconnected to or otherwise at least partially control the position and/ormovement of a detachable element or device that is tubular, sheath-like,or sleeve-like in form and that is configured to enable insertion of asecond user's penis. FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment capable offunctioning with a detachable tubular element 800. FIG. 8B illustratesthe embodiment with the detachable tubular element 800 installed.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8A may include one or more elementsrepresenting a strap, a ribbon of material, or a surface of a mechanismthat otherwise enables the device to be worn by a first user, to beconnected to a first user, or to otherwise enable a first user to atleast partially control the position and/or movement of the device. Thecontrol element(s) may be constructed from various types of materialsand may be connected to various types of additional elements (e.g.,elements enabling a first user to wear or otherwise provide greatercontrol of the device) within the scope of the invention. For example,the control elements may comprise ribbons of fabric, or alternately arigid or semi-rigid material, that may be held in a first user's handsto provide at least partial control of the position and/or movement ofthe attached tubular element. Alternately, the control elements maycomprise ribbons of fabric, or alternatively rigid or semi-rigidmaterials, capable of being temporarily fastened or releasably coupledto a garment resembling underwear or other device that is worn by afirst user such that the position and/or movement of the first user'sbody affects or provides at least partial control of the position and/ormovement of the attached tubular element. In various embodiments, thecontrol elements may be configured to extend out from between openingsin a second user's clothing while the second user's male member isinserted into the tubular element. In this way, the control elements maybe configured to be accessible to a first user from outside the seconduser's clothing and may enable the first user to exert at least partialcontrol over the movement and/or position of the tubular elementexclusively from outside of the second user's clothing while the tubularelement is positioned under the second user's clothing on the malemember of the second user. As a result, various embodiments may enable afirst user to control the stimulation provided to the second user by thetubular element without being exposed to any portion of the seconduser's body or male member and without being in direct contact with anyportion of the second user's body or male member.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, element orelements 805 may for example be a strap or ribbon enabling temporaryattachment to a garment worn by a first user. The strap or ribbon mayalso or alternatively be controlled by the first user in order tocontrol the position of movement of the tubular element 800. Theembodiment may also include one or more mechanisms enabling temporaryattachment of a tubular element or device 800. The attachment mechanismsare illustrated as two circular bands 801 and 802 affixed to the controlelement 805 and configured to fit securely around the tubular element ordevice 800 at two different points along the length of the tubularelement. Guide straps or ribbons 803 and 804 may attach to the bands 801and 802 to provide additional control. The bands 801 and 802 may beconstructed from various types of materials. In one or more embodiments,at least a portion of the attachment bands 801 and 802 may beconstructed from an elastic material to provide compressive forceagainst the tubular element 800, to increase friction with the tubularelement to enhance the security of the attachment, and/or to accommodatevariability in the diameter of the tubular element. The ability toaccommodate variability in the diameter of the tubular element or devicemay be useful for example because alternate tubular elements may havedifferent diameters, because a single tubular element may have variablediameters along the length of the element, or because a single tubularelement may have variable width depending on the insertion of a penis,for example. The bands 801 and 802 may include various types of featuresthat further enhance the security of attachment to the tubular element.For example, the bands may have features that fit into grooves moldedinto the tubular element 800 to further limit slippage between the bandsand the tubular element. Alternate configurations, for example withgreater or fewer number of bands may be distributed in various waysalong the length of the tubular element or at the ends of the tubularelement. Alternatively, the attachment mechanism may comprisecylindrical piece of material designed to envelop or extend along theentire length of the tubular element. Alternate types of attachmentmechanisms are also conceivable within the scope of the invention. Suchalternatives include, but are not limited to, various types of straps,clips, buttons, hook-and-loop type fasting systems, grooves or slotsinto which elements integrated with the tubular element may be fitted,elements configured to fit into various types of grooves or slots thatare integrated with the tubular element, or other types of mechanismsenabling temporary attachment or fastening of a tubular element to oneor more control elements.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate additional embodiments enabling attachment toor partial control by a first user of a tubular element 800 into whichthe penis of a second user may be inserted. FIG. 9A illustrates anembodiment in which the tubular element 800 is permanently affixed tothe control element, while FIG. 9B illustrates an embodiment in whichthe tubular element 800 may be temporarily attached to the controlmechanism.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the control element,which enables at least partial control of position and/or movement ofthe tubular element, may comprise a rigid or semi-rigid shaft, handle,or flattened stick that extends outward from one end of the tubularelement. A potential benefit of configuring the device with a rigid orsemi-rigid control device at one end of the tubular element 800 is thatthe control element may in some situations provide more precise controlof the position and/or movement of a tubular element 800 when thetubular element is constructed from a flexible material. A furtherpotential benefit is to enhance the ability for the control element tobe made accessible from outside the clothing of the second user andenable effective control of the movement and/or position of the tubularelement while the penis of the second user is inserted into the tubularelement under the clothing of the second user. In this way, theembodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B can be used while the seconduser is fully clothed, without exposing the second user's body andwithout direct bodily contact between the second user and thecontrolling user, who may be the first user described above.

The semi-rigid control element may extend part way or all the way downthe length of the tubular element. As illustrated in FIG. 9A, thecontrol element 900 may extend part way down the length of the tubularelement 800 within the sidewall of the tubular element. As illustratedin FIG. 9B, the control element 901 may extend part way down the lengthof the tubular element 800 along the outside surface of the tubularelement. The control elements illustrated in both FIGS. 9A and 9B mayconfigured to be permanently affixed to the tubular element 800 ordetachable/temporarily attachable to the tubular element using varioustypes of attachment elements and mechanisms, as noted above.

As noted above, a potential benefit of configuring the control elementas a semi-rigid shaft extending from the end of the tubular element isto enhance the ability for the control element(s) to be positioned toprotrude out from between the clothes of a second user and/or beaccessible from outside the second user's clothes while the seconduser's penis is inserted into the tubular element. For example, a seconduser may position the tubular element 800 under their pants, inserttheir penis into the tubular element and position the control element900 or 901 to protrude out of their clothes at their waist, betweentheir pants and shirt. This may enable attachment of the controlelement(s) of the tubular element to a first user and/or enable at leastpartial control of the tubular element by a first user while a seconduser's penis is inserted into the tubular element under their clothes.As such, the device may be controlled by a first user, for example afirst user that is an adult entertainer (e.g., to enhance theperformance of a “lap dancer”), while both the second user and the firstuser are fully clothed and without requiring the first user to eithertouch or be exposed to the genitals or any portion of the second user'sbody.

FIG. 9C shows an example of a multi-layer version of the embodimentsillustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In this embodiment, the device has twoconcentric tubular elements 912 and 913 that are connected to each otherat the base. The connection at the base is one of multiple locationswhere the concentric tubular elements may be connected. Alternatively,for example, the tubular elements may be connected at the top, atvarious points along their length, at the base, as illustrated, or atmultiple locations. The one or more connections between the concentrictubular elements may connect the tubular elements around their fullcircumference or only at certain locations around the circumference ofthe concentric tubular elements. The one or more connections between thetubular elements at the base and/or at other locations may beflexible/elastic so that the inner tubular element 912 may sliderelatively freely for some distance along the inside of the outertubular element 913. Alternatively, the connections may compriseelements enabling elements of the connections between the concentrictubular elements to slide along each other. For example, the connectionmay comprise an element attached to or embedded in the surface of one ofthe tubular elements that fits into a groove-type element attached to orembedded within the surface of the other tubular element, such that theelement attached to one tubular element can slide along the groove-typeelement. In this and other related ways, the points of connectionbetween the concentric tubular elements may comprise mechanisms thatslide longitudinally, thereby enabling the inner tubular element 912 toslide relatively freely for some distance along the inside of the outertubular element 913. The inner surface of outer tubular element 913 andthe outer surface of inner tubular element 912 may be configured topermit sliding of these surfaces against each other. A control shaft 911may be attached to the inner tubular element 912, and coupled to controlelement 910, which may for example be a rod or any other mechanism thatcan be controlled or can transmit control inputs and control forces froma first user or controlling user to the inner tubular element. In theexample illustrated, movement of the control element 910 results inmovement of the control shaft 911, which moves the inner tubular element912 relative to the outer tubular element 913 and relative to a seconduser's member that is inserted into the inner tubular element. In one ormore use cases, the outer tubular element 913 may be in a relativelyfixed position with respect to the second user's body and clothing,while the inner tubular element 912 may move along the second user'smember in response to control forces applied to the control shaft 911via the control element 910. The external surface of outer tubularelement 913 may be in contact with the second user's body or clothes. Inone or more embodiments this outer surface or a portion of the outertubular element 913 may be made of a material that protects the seconduser from discomfort caused by the control shaft 911. In one or moreembodiments a portion of the inside tube 912 may be manufactured from amaterial that is sufficiently stiff that a separate “shaft” 911 is notrequired. The goal of either the partial or complete stiffening of theinner tubular element or a shaft is to ensure that the inner tube 912actually slides (instead of stretching) when force is applied to thecontrol element 910.

FIG. 9D shows an alternative embodiment of a control element. In thisembodiment the control element may for example comprise flexible fabricstrips or straps 915 and 916 coupled to the control shaft 911, ascompared to the rigid control rod 910 of FIG. 9C. One or moreembodiments may include elements or mechanisms integrated into orattached to a first or controlling user's clothing or body that mayenable a first user to apply force to the control element with theirbody movements, rather than exclusively with their hands. Such mechanismmay include, but are not limited to hooks, clips, sleeves, loops,straps, or any similar mechanism to temporarily attach the controlelements on the device to the controlling user/first user, theirclothing, or any other similar garment. As noted above, configurationsthat enable the control elements to be accessible to a first orcontrolling user from outside the clothing of a second user while amember of the second user is inserted into the tubular element enablesthe first or controlling user to at least partially control the movementof the tubular element and the stimulation of the second user's memberwithout being directly exposed to and without coming in direct physicalcontact with the second user's member or any other part of the seconduser's body.

FIG. 9E shows a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 9C. In thisembodiment, inner tubular element 912 is controlled by a control element910 coupled to a control shaft 911, as in FIG. 9C. However, unlike FIG.9C, in this case the inner tubular element 912 does not slide against anouter tubular element; instead it slides between two outside layers ofmaterial 921 and 922. The inner surface of these layers may beconfigured to slide against the outer surface of inner tubular element912. As illustrated in FIG. 9E, these layers may be configured tocomprise relatively flat surfaces; however, they may also be configuredto represent curved surfaces, partial cylinders, or any other convenientshape that enables the inner tubular element 912 to slide along theinside surfaces of the outside layers of material 921 and 922. In someconfigurations the layers 921 and 922 may remain fixed against thebody/clothing of the second user, within which the inner tubular element912 may slide. In one or more embodiments the layers 921 and 922 mayhave grooves or channels, for example, or other mechanisms to enablemovement of inner tubular element 912 in a longitudinal direction.

FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment of a ribbon or string-basedattachment mechanism to attach the closed end of a condom to a waistbandor similar garment or device. A ribbon 1001 passes through waistband1000, and a loop 1002 is formed by passing the ribbon through a knot1003, such as a slip knot for example, leaving a loose end 1004. FIGS.10B through 10F show illustrative steps to attach a condom to thisembodiment. In step 1, shown in FIG. 10B, the closed end of condom 1005is inserted through loop 1002. In step 2, shown in FIG. 10C, loop 1002is rotated, for example 2 to 3 times, twisting the ribbon between theknot 1003 and the waistband 1000. In step 3, shown in FIG. 10D, theloose end 1004 of the ribbon is threaded through the end of loop 1002.In step 4, shown in FIG. 10E, the loop 1002 is tightened, cinching thecondom 1005 into the loop. In step 5, shown in FIG. 10F, the loose ends1001 and 1004 of the ribbon are tied together to securely attach thecondom 1005 to the waistband 1000.

While the invention herein disclosed has been described by means ofspecific embodiments and applications thereof, numerous modificationsand variations could be made thereto by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus configured to couple with a garmentand a tubular element that enables non-penetrating sex between a firstuser having a body and orifices that naturally occur in said body and asecond user, the apparatus comprising: said garment configured to beworn by said first user wherein said garment comprises an interiorsurface facing said first user and an exterior surface facing away fromsaid first user and wherein said garment comprises a hole in saidexterior surface; said tubular element comprising an open end and aclosed end; a first element comprising an opening configured to fixedlyor releasably couple with said tubular element on said open end of saidtubular element and couple with said garment wherein said first elementcouples to said garment at a first location on said garment; whereinsaid opening in said first element is collocated with said hole in saidexterior surface of said garment; a second element comprising a couplingelement configured to fixedly or releasably couple with said tubularelement on a closed end of said tubular element and couple with saidgarment at a second location that differs from said first location;wherein said first element is configured to couple to said garment to beworn by said first user at a first external portion of said first user;wherein said second element is configured to couple to said garment tobe worn by said first user at a second external portion of said firstuser and wherein said closed end of said tubular element is located onsaid interior surface of said garment facing said first user whereinsaid second element secures said closed end of said tubular element in aposition that is external to all of said orifices of said first user;and, said second element secures said closed end of said tubular elementin said position during said non-penetrating sex to prevent said closedend of said tubular element from entering any of said orifices of saidfirst user; wherein said first element and said second element areconfigured to maintain positions of both said open end and said closedend of said tubular element external to said first user and wherein saidtubular element is configured to remain outside of all orifices of saidfirst user during said non-penetrating sex.
 2. An apparatus configuredto couple with a garment and a tubular element that enablesnon-penetrating sex between a first user having a body and orifices thatnaturally occur in said body and a second user, the apparatuscomprising: said garment configured to be worn by said first userwherein said garment comprises an interior surface facing said firstuser and an exterior surface facing away from said first user andwherein said garment comprises a hole in said exterior surface; saidtubular element comprising an open end and a closed end; a first elementcomprising an opening configured to releasably couple with a tubularelement comprising a condom on an open end of said condom and couplewith said garment wherein said first element couples to said garment ata first location on said garment; wherein said opening in said firstelement is collocated with said hole in said exterior surface of saidgarment; a second element comprising a coupling element configured toreleasably couple with said condom on a closed end of said condom andcouple with said garment at a second location that differs from saidfirst location; wherein said first element is configured to couple tosaid garment to be worn by said first user at a first external portionof said first user; wherein said second element is configured to coupleto said garment to be worn by said first user at a second externalportion of said first user and wherein said closed end of said condom islocated on said interior surface, within, or on said exterior surface ofsaid garment wherein said second element secures said closed end of saidcondom in a position that is external to all of said orifices of saidfirst user; and, said second element secures said closed end of saidcondom in said position during said non-penetrating sex to prevent saidclosed end of said condom from entering any of said orifices of saidfirst user; wherein said first element and said second element areconfigured to maintain positions of both said open end and said closedend of said condom external to said first user and wherein said condomis configured to remain outside of all orifices of said first userduring said non-penetrating sex.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 whereinsaid condom is a male condom.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein saidmale condom comprises lubrication wherein said male condom is coupled tosaid first element and said second element inside-out to enable saidmember of said second user to readily move in and out of said condomwhile said first element and said second element immobilize said condomrelative to said first user.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein saidcondom is a female condom.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein saidfirst element further comprises: an annular ramp of comprising anelastomeric material, or a flange configured to couple to said open endof said condom, or a segmented flange configured to couple to said openend of said condom or a flange and a ring wherein said ring isconfigured to elastically provide force to said condom when placedbetween said ring and said flange wherein said flange and ring areconfigured to couple to said open end of said condom, or a plurality ofhooks, or a ring with a groove surrounding said opening; and whereinsaid first element couples with said condom on said open end of saidcondom by placing a base ring of said condom into said groove, or a ringcomprising a plurality of beads connected by one or more elasticelements; wherein said ring is configured to expand to accommodate oneor both of said condom or said member, or an opening smaller than saidopen end of said condom.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said condomhas one or both of a base ring or a flange on said open end of saidcondom; said opening of said first element has a smaller diameter thansaid base ring or said flange.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein saidcoupling element of said second element comprises: a notch and whereinsaid condom is coupled with said second element via a small objectinside said condom that is larger than said notch, or a button hole andwherein said condom is coupled with said second element via a smallobject inside said condom that fits through said button hole, or a loopand wherein said condom is coupled with said second element by cinchingsaid condom with said loop, or a roller and wherein said condom iscoupled with said second element via said roller, or a surfaceconfigured to fold in two dimensions, a loop across one side of saidsurface and configured to receive said closed end of said condom, anattachment mechanism to secure a left portion of said surface against acorresponding right portion of said surface, or an attachment elementconfigured to couple with a line, wherein said condom is configured withsaid line extending from said closed end of said condom, wherein saidattachment element is coupled to an end of said line opposite saidclosed end of said condom.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein saidfirst element couples to a waistband in a front and rear portion of saidfirst user with connection elements that extend from said first elementto said waistband and wherein said second element couples to either saidwaistband close to said front or said rear portion of said first user.10. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first element couples to saidgarment in a front and rear portion of said first user with materialthat extends from said first element to at least one leg of said firstuser and wherein said second element couples to said first user at alocation distal to said first element.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2wherein said first element is located on an outer portion of saidgarment and said second element is located on an inner portion of saidgarment.
 12. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first element islocated on an outer portion of said garment and said second element islocated on said outer portion of said garment.
 13. An apparatusconfigured to couple with a garment and a tubular element that enablesnon-penetrating sex between a first user having a body and orifices thatnaturally occur in said body and a second user, the apparatuscomprising: said garment configured to be worn by said first userwherein said garment comprises an interior surface facing said firstuser and an exterior surface facing away from said first user andwherein said garment comprises a hole in said exterior surface; saidtubular element comprising an open end and a closed end; a first elementcomprising an opening configured to releasably couple with said tubularelement comprising a condom on said open end of said condom and couplewith said garment wherein said first element couples to said garment ata first location on said garment; wherein said opening in said firstelement is collocated with said hole in said exterior surface of saidgarment; a second element comprising a coupling element configured toreleasably couple with said condom on a closed end of said condom andcouple with said garment at a second location that differs from saidfirst location; wherein said first element is configured to couple tosaid garment to be worn by said first user at a first external portionof said first user; wherein said second element is configured to coupleto said garment to be worn by said first user at a second externalportion of said first user wherein said closed end of said condom islocated on said interior surface, within, or on said exterior surface ofsaid garment wherein said second element secures said closed end of saidcondom in a position that is external to all of said orifices of saidfirst user; and, said second element secures said closed end of saidcondom in said position during said non-penetrating sex to prevent saidclosed end of said condom from entering any of said orifices of saidfirst user; wherein said first element and said second element areconfigured to maintain positions of both said open end and said closedend of said condom external to said first user and wherein said condomis configured to remain outside of all orifices of said first userduring said non-penetrating sex; said garment wherein said garment isconfigured to be coupled directly or indirectly to said first user, andwherein said garment comprises an interior surface facing said firstuser and an exterior surface facing away from said first user; a hole inat least said exterior surface; wherein said opening in said firstelement is collocated with said hole in at least said exterior surface;wherein said first element further comprises an annular ramp ofcomprising an elastomeric material, or a flange configured to couple tosaid open end of said condom, or a segmented flange configured to coupleto said open end of said condom or a flange and a ring wherein said ringis configured to elastically provide force to said condom when placedbetween said ring and said flange wherein said flange and ring areconfigured to couple to said open end of said condom, or a plurality ofhooks, or a ring with a groove surrounding said opening; and whereinsaid first element couples with said condom on said open end of saidcondom by placing a base ring of said condom into said groove, or a ringcomprising a plurality of beads connected by one or more elasticelements; wherein said ring is configured to expand to accommodate oneor both of said condom or said member, or an opening smaller than saidopen end of said condom; and, wherein said coupling element of saidsecond element comprises a notch and wherein said condom is coupled withsaid second element via a small object inside said condom that is largerthan said notch, or a button hole and wherein said condom is coupledwith said second element via a small object inside said condom that fitsthrough said button hole, or a loop and wherein said condom is coupledwith said second element by cinching said condom with said loop, or aroller and wherein said condom is coupled with said second element viasaid roller, or a surface configured to fold in two dimensions, a loopacross one side of said surface and configured to receive said closedend of said condom, an attachment mechanism to secure a left portion ofsaid surface against a corresponding right portion of said surface, oran attachment element configured to couple with a line, wherein saidcondom is configured with said line extending from said closed end ofsaid condom, wherein said attachment element is coupled to an end ofsaid line opposite said closed end of said condom.